chicago free press | a common Voice for a Diverse community | april 8, 2010 | Vol. 11, no. 31
Anna Paqin: “I’m Bisexual” page 4
CHICAGOANS GEAR UP FOR GAY GAMES VIII
“Q&A with Patty Larkin” page 10
A traveler’s guide to Cologne page 12
“Ragtime” page 14
Howard Brown’s CEO and CFO out
This week’s Click! in FreeTime
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A Common Voice for a Diverse Community 819 W. Lawrence Ave, 3rd Floor • Chicago, IL 60640 phone (773) 681-0856 fax (773) 681-0857 managing editor Kerrie Kennedy GRAPHIC DESIGNER Bethany Mavronicles DIRECTOR OF SALES Gary Gangi MUSIC, TV and film EDITOR Gregg Shapiro THEATER EDITOR Larry Bommer FREETIME EDITOR St. Sukie de la Croix ONLINE EDITOR Tony Merevick OPINION COLUMNISTs Jennifer Vanasco Paul Varnell
This week in Chicago Free Press News
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Nation & World Report Page 4 Local Pages 5, 7 National Page 6 15 Minutes Page 8
Interview: Patty Larkin Pages 10-11 Live Music Page 11 TV & Film Page 12 Travel Page 12 Theater Page 14
Midlife Crisis Page 16 Back in the Day Page 17 Bar & Club Guide Page 18 Bar & Club Map Page 20
Editorial & PHOTO Contributors Matt Alderton Web Behrens Brian Kirst Jon Peterson Fred Newton Rick Stuckey Account executives Dave Etz Michael Koontz National Sales Representative Rivendell Media, Inc.
Opinion: Paul Varnell Page 9 Opinion: Jennifer Vanasco Page 9
Marketplace Calendar Page 13
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NATioN & WorLd rEPorT
Staff and wire reports
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announced new guidelines that tighten the rules for evidence when someone reports that a soldier is gay and puts higher-ranking officers in charge of dismissal proceedings. An estimated 13,000 people have been discharged under the law. Although most of the dismissals have been the result of gay service members outing themselves, advocates for repeal of the law say it has been used to drum out capable soldiers who never made their sexuality an issue.
Donations pour in to father of fallen Marine BALTIMORE—Donations are pouring in for a fallen Marine’s father who was ordered to pay the court costs of an anti-gay church he’s been battling. Albert Snyder of York, Pa., appeared Thursday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” He says it was insulting that the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered him to pay $16,510 in court costs to Fred Phelps, pastor of Westboro Baptist Church. Westboro members picketed the Maryland funeral of Snyder’s son, Matthew. The church contends U.S. military deaths are God’s punishment for tolerance of homosexuality. Albert Snyder sued the church. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case. The father’s attorney Sean Summers says any extra money would be given to veterans. Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly has pledged to pay the court costs. 6
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Anna Paquin announces she’s bisexual
Lesbian, girlfriend OK for private US prom
LOS ANGELES—“True Blood” star Anna Paquin announced she’s bisexual last week in a new online public service announcement for the “Give a Damn” campaign, which promotes GLBT equality. The 27 year-old actress, who is engaged to “True Blood” costar Stephan Moyer, said in the announcement, “I’m bisexual, and I give a damn.” The “Give a Damn” campaign, launched last Thursday, is part of Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund and features such celebrities as Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, Wanda Sykes, Elton John and Whoopi Goldberg. Lauper, who is straight, said she felt a responsibility to stand up for GLBTs. “In my life, I’ve crossed paths with many different people and I’ve seen firsthand what it means to be discriminated against,” she said. “We all have to get involved; we all have to give a damn.”
JACKSON—An attorney says a lesbian student who sued a Mississippi school over its policy banning same-sex prom dates can bring her girlfriend to a privately sponsored dance. Itawamba County school board attorney Michele Floyd said last Tuesday that 18-yearold Constance McMillen can escort her girlfriend to the dance at the Fulton Country Club. The private prom replaces one the school district canceled rather than let McMillen wear a tuxedo and bring her girlfriend, who is also a student at Itawamba Agricultural High School. A federal judge ruled that the district’s actions violated McMillen’s constitutional rights, but he didn’t reinstate the school prom. He said he would hold a trial on the matter later.
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RuPaul’s Drag Race: Judge: transgender now casting season 3 inmates have right to CULVER CITY—Doron Ofir Casting, 2 World of Wonder and LOGO and are therapy seeking fabulous, talented and gorgeous drag queens from across the Nation who are at least 21 years old to compete for the crown of America’s Next Drag Superstar. RuPaul is back for Season 3, and she is searching for outrageous, unique, talented and stunningly gorgeous up-and-coming drag queens to compete in the ultimate battle for the crown. Drag queens who are ready to work, sew, glue gun, plot, style, smash and grab to win the title, should apply at: www.RuPaulsDragRaceCasting.com
MADISON—A federal judge has struck down a unique Wisconsin law that prohibits transgender inmates from receiving taxpayer-funded hormone therapy, which alters their appearance to be more like that of the opposite sex. A group of male inmates who identify as female had challenged the 2006 law with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and Lambda Legal, a national gay rights group. They say they need the hormones to treat their gender identity disorder, and not having them would lead to severe health problems. “It’s a victory for these inmates who have a condition that is misunderstood and vilified 4
for political purposes that can be very serious,” Larry Dupuis, an ACLU lawyer who represented the plaintiffs, said last Thursday. “To take away a whole class of treatment just because it’s politically disfavored is not constitutional.” While similar prison policies in other states have been challenged successfully, the ACLU and Lambda Legal said the law was the only one of its kind in the nation that denied such medical care to transgender inmates.
Gay soldiers can still be dismissed if they speak up WASHINGTON—Reversing course, Army Secretary John McHugh warned soldiers last Thursday that they still can be discharged for acknowledging they are gay, saying he misspoke earlier this week when he suggested the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy had been temporarily suspended. The public stumble by a senior service official is an indication of the issue’s legal complexity. The Pentagon has said it wants to hear from gay troops as it conducts a broad study on how it could lift the ban, as President Barack Obama wants. But to do that, gay service members would have to break the law, which prohibits them from discussing their sexual orientation. Defense Department officials say they plan to hire an outside contractor to survey the troops, and that gay troops won’t be punished for sharing their views with that third party. “Until Congress repeals ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ it remains the law of the land and the Department of the Army and I will fulfill our obligation to uphold it,” McHugh said in a statement last Thursday. While the ban remains intact, the Pentagon has made it tougher to get discharged under the law. Earlier this month, Gates 5
Gay student settles lawsuit vs. NY district ALBANY—A gay teenager in upstate New York who had claimed he was relentlessly bullied by classmates while school administrators stood by settled his lawsuit last Monday against the school district. Jacob—who is identified as “J.L.” in the lawsuit and doesn’t want his name revealed— sued the Mohawk Central School District in federal court last summer with help from the New York Civil Liberties Union. Now 15, he said school officials did virtually nothing to stop bullies who picked on him because he acted differently from other boys. The U.S. Department of Justice had sought to intervene, citing the “important issues” it raised in enforcing federal civil rights laws. Under the settlement filed in federal court, the district agreed to implement changes to protect students from harassment, including additional staff training. The district will report on its progress to the Civil Liberties Union and federal justice officials. The district also agreed to pay $50,000 to Jacob’s family and to reimburse them for counseling services. The district didn’t admit to any wrongdoing under the settlement. Jacob has since moved to a neighboring district, where he said he is much happier. He released a statement with the district saying they hope the settlement serves “as a model for other school districts confronting issues of bullying and intolerance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming students.” 7
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Local Howard Brown’s Michael Cook GLBT and Mark Joslyn out Campground in Michigan scene of antigay vandalism
By Kerrie Kennedy Staff writer
Howard Brown Health Center’s Chief Executive Officer Michael C. Cook, and Chief Financial Officer Mark Joslyn, have been placed on paid administrative leave following an internal decision by Howard Brown’s Executive Board of Directors. The announcement was issued last Wednesday by an external public relations firm. The press release did not state the reasons why the two men were relieved of their duties. According to the press release, Paul Fairchild, who joined Howard Brown in 2007 as the organization’s Chief Development Officer, will serve as the interim Chief Operating Officer. “We are pleased to have Paul Fairchild at the helm of the organization at this time,” said Board Chairman Stephen Phelps, in a printed statement. “Our Board remains engaged and will continue to provide guidance and oversight to the organization and will offer Paul our unparalleled support. These administrative changes pertain to an internal personnel matter which does not impact the mission of Howard Brown Health Center.” Michael Cook was named president and CEO of Howard Brown in October 2005. His appointment came after executive director Keith Waterbrook resigned on the heels of
By Kerrie Kennedy Staff writer
a drug scandal involving then director of development Michael Anderson. Anderson was arrested in 2005 for intent to sell, after police found 109 grams of methamphetamine in his home. Mark Joslyn joined Howard Brown in 2008. Prior to joining the agency, he was senior VP and CFO for Towers Productions and helped launch Chicago Bride Magazine. Calls to Howard Brown were returned by a public relations spokesperson, who said the organization will release more information about the staff changes sometime next week. Howard Brown Health Center is one of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) healthcare organizations.
Center on Halsted launches new youth mentorship program By Kerrie Kennedy Staff writer
Center on Halsted will officially unveil its new Youth Mentorship Program this April. The program pairs LGBTQ youth-aged 13 to 18 with adult mentors who have similar interests, hobbies and professional goals. Mentors will provide professional and educational guidance and share their experiences as productive members of the LGBT community. According to Center on Halsted Community Relations and Outreach Manager Ryan Erickson, the mentoring program came out of conversions exploring ways for the youth program to expand beyond what it traditionally has done. “The mentors will be like life mentors in a lot of ways,” says Erickson. “A lot of the youth who will be mentored are of high school age and trying to think about what they’re going to do educationally and more.”
Mentors have already undergone a tenweek training to prepare thoroughly for the mentorship experience. All mentors were chosen on their basis to serve as positive role models for LGBT youth. According to Youth Program Clinical Supervisor Val Newman, most of them are already volunteers at Center on Halsted. “They’ve added an additional piece to their volunteer duties,” she says. “They’re really excited about the challenges of reaching out to the youth xxx ” An orientation is scheduled for April 14, with the mentoring program set to begin the end of April. All participants have made a yearlong commitment. GLBTQ youth interested in the Youth Mentorship Program should attend the orientation, 6-7 p.m. April 14 or contact Val Newman at 773.472.6469 X 227 or vnewman@ centeronhalsted.org. Parental consent is required.
A popular GLBT campground in Michigan was recently the scene of anti-gay vandalism. Vandals spray painted a fence surrounding Campit, a gay-owned and gay-friendly campground south of Saugatuck, with an anti-gay slur—“Fags Don’t Belong—and a swastika. According to Campit co-owner Sally Howard, the crime occurred sometime between Friday night, March 26 and Saturday morning, March 27. “In the 10 years we’ve owned Campit, we’ve never had anything like this happen,” Howard said. “We have such good relationships with our neighbors and the township— there’s just no sense of not belonging—I’m the head of the planning commission here.” Howard said she has no idea who the perpetrators might be, but believes the crime was an isolated incident. “It’s also why I’m not all that worried about it,” she said. “It got a lot of coverage, so people are on the lookout and it would be difficult for them to do it again.” The camp, which has been around since 1960 and has been a gay and lesbian resort since 1970, is believed to be the oldest GLBT camp in the country. Campit features 165 sites for campers, RVs and tents, 15 log cabins, a five-room bed and breakfast, a pool and a volleyball court. The camp, known for its friendliness, draws visitors from all over the Chicago area. Some bring their rig and stay all summer long. Howard says the fence will be repainted before Campit officially opens on April 16.
Curtain closes on Lakeshore Theater By Kerrie Kennedy Staff writer
The Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, will close it doors on April 10. According to co-owner Chris Ritter, the Boystown comedy venue—which recently presented Sandra Bernhard—does not have sufficient revenue to continue. “It saddens me deeply to announce the closing of the Lakeshore,” Ritter said in a written statement. “While revenues have continued to grow over the last three years and the Lakeshore brand of comedy, music and good times has successfully taken hold, current revenues are simply insufficient to fund ongoing operations as well as much needed plant repairs and improvements needed to take the company to the next level of success. In 2009, the Lakeshore’s 280 performances drew some 56,000 people. According to Ritter, the theater actually benefited from the state of the economy in terms of attendance (its prices were much lower than many other comedy venues) but at the same time, the economy made it difficult for the owners to raise needed capital. “There’s simply no money available to fund forward looking initiatives.” Ritter said. The Lakeshore’s final engagement will be Australian comedian Jim Jefferies, who will perform Friday, April 9 at 7:30 and 10:30 and Saturday, April 10 at 10:30. “I’m happy to be able to close with one of my favorite artists working today” Ritter said. “We’ve been presenting Jim since we first started presenting comedy and have had the privilege of watching his career explode with the success of his HBO special. It will be a terrific going-away party.” Ticket holders for future events beyond April 10 will receive full refunds.
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Ruling makes Iowa gay marriage destination
Would partners of gay troops get benefits, too?
By Molly Hottle
By Kimberly Hefling
AP WRITER
AP WRITER
DES MOINES, Iowa––The state Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage has created something unprecedented over the past year: Iowa as a wedding destination. That April 3, 2009, decision, followed about three weeks later by the issuing of marriage licenses, led to 1,783 same-sex weddings by year’s end. Of those, 1,044 of the couples came from outside the state. The ruling drew people like Judith Weir and Olly Staneslow of St. Paul, Minn., who boarded a bus with eight other gay couples last August and made the 250-mile drive to marry in a Des Moines church. “It felt like a huge party all the way,’’ Weir said. The couple of 17 years said they knew their marriage would have no legal standing back home but agreed it would have personal meaning. “I felt relieved,’’ said Staneslow. ``We know it’s not legal (in Minnesota) yet, but we’ve done everything we absolutely could.’’ They were among 100 Minnesota same-sex couples who wed last year in Iowa, ranking the state second among those sending gay couples there to marry. Illinois topped the list at 172. The top five states were from the Midwest, but people also came from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas. Iowa’s new status as a marriage destination prompted Beau Fodor to quit his job as a Salvation Army event planner and start a business organizing gay weddings. He’s worked with 15 couples so far, all from other states. “I just knew it would be a good fit for me,’’ he said. The Iowa Supreme Court’s decision came in a case pushed by the gay-rights group Lambda Legal. The justices upheld an August 2007 decision that found a state law limiting marriage to a man and a woman violates constitutional equal-protection rights. Lambda Legal attorney Camilla Taylor said a marriage license enables Iowa samesex couples to make medical decisions for one another, file state taxes together and have the right to be on the same insurance policy. The difference between Iowa and other states is enough to make Mike Yowell uneasy when he leaves his Council Bluffs home each day for his job in Omaha, Neb. Yowell and partner Hersh Rodasky have been together for 29 years and wed April 30. Yowell said he thinks about the rights he leaves behind with each morning commute across the Missouri River. He acknowledges he’s sensitive about those rights. When he took Rodasky to an Iowa hospital a few years ago with chest pains, a nurse initially
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refused to let him into Rodasky’s room because he wasn’t considered a relative. Hospital supervisors relented when both men complained. “Now I don’t have to worry about that,’’ Yowell said. On Saturday, the men will mark the court ruling’s anniversary by joining same-sex couples from Council Bluffs and Omaha. They will meet at the midpoint of a pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River, linking Iowa and Nebraska. Other events are planned to mark the year since the court’s ruling, but some say what has struck them most has been how quickly gay marriage has gone from extraordinary to mundane. “You kind of want to say it was huge,’’ said Carolyn Jenison, executive director for One Iowa, a gay and lesbian advocacy group. ``I remember getting up Saturday, April 4, and walking down the street and nothing was different. People have continued to do what they’ve always done.’’ For many, though, the court’s ruling remains unsettling. Republican lawmakers tried unsuccessfully to place a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage before voters. All three GOP candidates for governor have spoken out strongly against the court’s decision. Candidate Bob Vander Plaats has made same-sex marriage one of his campaign’s key issues, promising that as governor he would immediately issue an order blocking enforcement of the ruling. Democrats and some Republicans have said such a move would be illegal. “The primary issue is the Supreme Court has stepped outside of its jurisdiction,’’ Vander Plaats said. ``I’m just trying to be a referee on the court and call the proverbial time out when someone steps out of bounds.’’ The Iowa Christian Alliance is focusing its efforts against the ruling on the Legislature. Norm Pawlewski, the group’s lobbyist, acknowledged it would be at least 2014 before the issue could go before voters because of rules for amending the state constitution. Democrats control both chambers and have refused to allow a vote on a referendum, which would need to be approved by two consecutive general assemblies. ‘We’re talking three or four years at least,’’ Pawlewski said. ``A lot will depend on what happens in November, whether the Republicans take over at least one of the houses.’’ Jason Swaggerty-Morgan, a plaintiff from Sioux City in the lawsuit leading to the court’s decision, says he’s not worried about the law being overturned. He married Chuck Swaggerty-Morgan last April. “I have full faith that the people in Iowa believe in equality,’’ he said.
WASHINGTON—If gay service members are allowed to serve openly, the military will face another tough question: Should gay partners be entitled to military benefits? Momentum appears to be building for ending the ban on gays in the military. New rules ordered Thursday by Defense Secretary Robert Gates make it harder to discharge men and women under the policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” His decision is intended as a stopgap measure as Congress weighs whether to go along with President Barack Obama’s request to repeal the law. Since the draft ended in 1973, spousal benefits have increasingly been used as an incentive to recruit and retain an effective force. Today, more than half of all troops sport a wedding ring. Benefits for married service members include college tuition for a spouse and the right of a spouse to be at a wounded service member’s bedside. Spouses also have access to military health care and commissaries worldwide, and married service members receive better housing and even extra pay when they go to war. The ticket to qualifying for those benefits is a marriage certificate. Heterosexual couples have a choice whether to marry, but same-sex marriages are legal in only five states and Washington, D.C. Whether same-sex partnerships would be recognized by the military and what benefits might be afforded gay couples would become issues if the ban were lifted. “It will be a whole complex row of dominoes that will fall as a result of this,” said Peter Sprigg, a senior fellow for policy studies at the conservative Family Research Council. Already, Gates has included the issue of benefits in a review of how to lift the repeal, which is due Dec. 1. Repealing the ban without offering samesex partner benefits would be like telling gay service members they are equal but not giving them all the advantages of service, said Tiffany Belle, 33, of Long Beach, Calif., a lesbian and former sailor. “You’re basically letting us be free being ourselves in the military, but then you’re not letting us reap the benefits.” The 1996 Defense of Marriage Act prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. Nathaniel Frank, a senior research fellow at the Palm Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said it’s unrealistic to think the military would be out front of the rest of the government in offering benefits to unmarried partners. “They don’t do it for straight people, and they’re very unlikely to do it for gay people,”
Frank said. But, in addition to repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell,” Obama has called for getting rid of the Defense of Marriage Act and has moved to extend some federal benefits to same-sex partners. Obama has approved small changes in benefits available to same-sex couples who work for the federal government, such as visitation and dependent-care rights. The State Department extended benefits to gay diplomats, such as the right for their domestic partners to hold diplomatic passports and for paid travel to and from foreign posts. Larry Korb, a senior fellow at the Democratic-led Center for American Progress, who served as an assistant secretary of defense in the early 1980s, said what the military would have to work through is similar to what the State Department and some federal agencies have done. “My own personal view is that if they want to make it happen, they can,” Korb said. U.S. military officials are concerned that recruitment might suffer if they open the door to gay service members and their families. They worry that the Southern, Christian base from which the military relies heavily to fill its ranks will resist the change. But if they don’t adequately address the benefits issue, it could lead to gay service members leaving the military because there’s no provision for caring for their families, said Ryan Gallucci, a spokesman for the veterans group AMVETS. “They won’t be on equal footing as their heterosexual counterparts,” Gallucci said. Some repeal proponents say that lifting the ban should be the focus, not the what ifs related to benefits. They say discussions about whether the Pentagon would recognize gay troops’ partners aren’t relevant now. “Let’s get rid of the ban first and then look at those issues,” said Kevin Nix, a spokesman for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which seeks to repeal the law. Frank, who has written a book about the policy, said opponents of repeal use a “thorny questions” strategy to make the process of lifting the ban seem far more complicated than it is by bringing up issues like benefits. One former service member who is watching the debate is Melanie Costa, 34, of Franklin, Mass. The Iraq veteran said she left the military after four years in the Marines and six in the Army Reserves so she could marry a woman in Massachusetts, where gay marriage is legal. She said if the repeal is dropped she’ll re-enlist—if her wife gets benefits. “If I got deployed, and she wasn’t able to get all the benefits as another married couple, there’s not really a point,” Costa said.
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Local Chicagoans gear up for Gay Games VIII By Matt Alderton Contributing writer
Michael Thiry began swimming competitively when he was 7 years old. A native of Arlington Heights, Ill., he swam his little legs through elementary school, his adolescent legs through middle school and his adult-sized legs through high school. When he was in the 12th grade, however, Thiry quit. Tired of swim caps and Speedos, he never wanted to swim the length of an Olympic-sized swimming pool again. And for 15 years, he didn’t. “I just got really burnt out,” said Thiry, 34, who lives in University Village and works in the Chicago Transit Authority’s treasury department. “Then, in November 2008, I decided to get back into it. I’ve been swimming ever since.” You might say that swimming saved Thiry’s life. Or at least changed it. That’s because three of the 15 years he was absent from swimming were spent as a caretaker for his partner of 10 years, who suffered from kidney disease. When his partner eventually died, Thiry decided to live. “A couple years after my partner died, I decided I was ready to make friends, get back in shape and just be healthy,” he said. So, Thiry joined the Chicago Smelts, Chicago’s mostly gay and lesbian masters swim team. Then, just to kick things up a notch, he registered to compete in the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany. “It’s a completely new experience for me,” said Thiry, who’ll be competing in
seven different events, including the 400-, 800- and 1,500-meter freestyle; the 50-, 100and 200-meter breaststroke; and the 200-meter individual medley. “I’m really looking forward to competing, but I’m also looking forward to meeting so many people from all over the world.” Thiry is just one of more than 6,000 GLBT athletes that already have registered for Gay Games VIII, taking place July 31 through Aug. 7, according to Gay Games Sports Manager Rob Smitherman, who expects a total of 12,000 participants and 34,000 spectators this summer in Cologne. “The U.S. is well represented, with the second most registrants behind Germany,” Smitherman said. “And many of the registrants are from the Chicago area; my rough count is that it has the third most registrants after San Francisco and New York.” Among the Chicagoland athletes heading to Germany in July is 38-year-old tennis player Javier López-Quiñones of Rogers Park, who competed in his first Gay Games when Chicago hosted them in 2006. “I heard about the Gay Games in 2005 and decided to participate,” he said. “I came out late in my life—I was 28—so it was a good experience for me, to feel that sense of belonging. I took the train to Soldier Field for the opening ceremonies, and during my journey from Loyola all the way down to the South Loop the train was packed with people wearing the Gay Games logo. It just made me feel proud. It gave me goose bumps.” It’s a feeling fellow Chicago athlete Timothy Hunsinger—a runner—can relate to. “Struggling for acceptance and selfworth is very human; I think it can be even more of a struggle when you are GLBT,” said Hunsinger, who lives in Streeterville and runs regularly with the Chicago Razors, Chicago’s gay triathlon training group. “For me, participation in the Gay Games, as well as regional events that the Razors compete in, is about ‘personal best’ with support from my friends, family and the LGBT community.” The sense of community that was so prevalent in Chicago promises to persist in Cologne, according to Smitherman. “The people of Cologne are similar to the people of Chicago—nice, friendly and very accepting of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation,” he said. “What will be different is that
the beer is cheaper and really good.” The beer—called Kölsch—is brewed only within the city limits, where it’s served in distinctive 0.2-liter glasses. Tall and skinny, they’re like a lot of the athletes who’ll be competing this summer in 35 different sports. Because the competition in Cologne will be as tough as the beer is tall, Chicago athletes have been training especially hard in the final months leading up to Gay Games VIII. Thiry, for instance, has been swimming three to four days a week and plans to compete in several masters-level swim meets this spring as practice for Colonge. López, meanwhile—who fell just short of earning a bronze medal in 2006—has been training with a physical trainer twice a week to work on strengthening the joints in his legs and shoulders. He’s also been lifting weights once a week, doing cardio three times a week and playing tennis twice a week. Hunsinger, who competed in the triathlon in 2006—when he placed 51 out of 154— will be running in the marathon this year, instead, as part of a recent goal that he set for himself: to eventually run seven marathons on each of the seven continents. He’s already run three U.S. marathons—two in Chicago and one in Utah—and has signed up to run the Antarctica Marathon in March 2012. When he competes in Cologne, he’ll be able to cross Europe off his list, too. “I have made exercise a priority in my life ever since the summer of 2003, when I had put 250 pounds on my 5-foot-10-inch frame; additionally, my work—running a lifesupport machine—can be very stressful at times,” said Hunsinger, a clinical perfusionist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “Exercise helps me stay fit and manage the stress of my world.” To train for Cologne, Hunsinger spent his winter competing in snowshoeing races. Having kicked off his 2010 running season in March with the Shamrock Shuffle, he’s now running at least three times a week—a 12-mile run on his own or with the Razors, a speed workout with the Razors and a fiveto seven-mile run on his own—and either
biking or swimming three times more. “I only take one day off per week,” he said. High school science teacher Jessica Andrasko, 37, of Bolingbrook, Ill., also has been training hard for Cologne. She and her women’s volleyball team, Chicago Momentum, play competitively twice a week and plan to secure private gym time this summer to work on their game. For them, however, preparation is as much financial as it is physical: To cover the cost of traveling to Germany, Chicago Momentum is actively fundraising online at its Web site, MomentumVB.com, and in person via weekly raffles at T’s Bar & Restaurant in Andersonville. “Realistically, our target is $20,000,” said Andrasko, a former pro volleyball player who’s competed twice before in the Gay Games—in Chicago and in Amsterdam, where she won a bronze medal in 1998. “So right now, our focus is on fundraising. Once we’re there, though, our goal is gold.” For Chicago Momentum, Gay Games VIII is a family event. Win or lose, many of the women are bringing their partners along as spectators. Although she’s undecided, Andrasko’s partner may tag along and compete in golf. One player, who’s about to become a foster parent, might even bring her new foster child. López’s partner plans to go, too, and Thiry’s will most certainly be there in spirit. “He’s the inspiration behind why I decided to get back into swimming to begin with,” Thiry said. “He’d be really proud of me. Being a caretaker for three years was a big thing; I think he’d be really happy that I’m now doing things I care about—that I’m spending time on me.”
15 MINUTES
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Photos by CFP Staff
ROSCOE’S 26TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY • April 1st, 2010
Opinion
Opinion
religion as the enemy
By Jennifer Vanasco
oPinion CoLuMniSt
oPinion CoLuMniSt
want the various laws and strictures to apply to everyone, whether or not they are adherents of the religion. In one widely cited but misunderstood Bible passage, Jesus supposedly said, “Compel them to come in.” So compulsion of everyone via the law is easily justified. So what should we do in this situation? First, if you are a member and contribute to a homophobic church, for God’s sake stop. Switch your religion to a gay-friendly church. Homosexuality cannot be changed, but religions can. Tell your priest, minister, or imam that you are leaving and why. Contribute to gay-friendly churches, gay advocacy groups such as the International Gay and Lesbian Association. I am not much of a demonstrator, but if you have that temperament, feel free to picket notably homophobic churches and appearances by homophobic ministers. I used to urge people to write a letter to the local newspaper. In small towns, those do get read. But in large cities, especially, it seems more useful to start a blog on the topic, or add relevant items to your existing blog. This seems the modern way to communicate information among the young—and I think it is the young we need to reach, before their views have curdled into prejudice. What do I do? I write columns like this, pointing out the problem and possible counter-measures. It seems unlikely that we can have much impact on long-standing religions, particularly abroad. But perhaps we can encourage local gays to be more assertive. And in the U.S., we can help along the slow growth of tolerance and acceptance of gays by shaming homophobic religions. There is no guarantee, but the effort seems worth making. I run into a lot of people—especially gays—who tell me they are not religious, but they are “spiritual.” I am not sure what this means (nor, often, are they), but I think it means they have put aside the severe religion doctrines they were brought up with. To the extent this includes casting off antigay doctrines, this is a gain and should probably be encouraged. Send comments to PVarnell@aol.com
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The power of ellen
By Paul Varnell
A recent news story reports that a planned meeting of the Asian Gay and Lesbian Association in Surabaya, Indonesia, was canceled at the last minute by organizers, after vigorous opposition was expressed by Muslim groups (primarily the Islamic Defenders Front). The government claimed that protests might become violent. This story is just one of several recent examples of Muslim hostility to gays. It is hardly controversial to point to consistent Islamic hostility to gays and all efforts to promote gay equality and a willingness to use threats of physical intimidation to get its way. But Christians have little excuse for finger pointing. Conservative Christian groups such as the Christian Coalition, conservative preachers, and the Vatican regularly oppose all efforts to treat gays equally, opposing gay marriage, gay rights laws, and so forth. In times past, Catholics hanged gays or burned them at the stake. Another recent news story reported that the parents of a young gay man who wanted to take his boyfriend to the school prom was thrown out of his home by his parents. It all but leaped out at the reader that the parents were “Christians” and had imbibed Christian anti-gay prejudice. Meanwhile, the conservative Catholic League blames gays for the Catholic child sexual abuse scandal, pointing out that most victims were male, as were the perpetrators. Well, of course. Males tend to be more available to priests in the form of altar boys and the like. And just so Jews will not feel left out, in Israel—the one country where Jews are a majority—the main agitators against gay equality, even gay parades, are Orthodox Jewish groups. No one need fear saying the obvious: religion, particularly in its more conservative forms, is the enemy of gay people. Even at the individual level, religion can harm gays. It saps the fragile self-esteem of young gays and lesbians who are repeatedly told they are sinners and bound for an imaginary hell, it holds out false hope that they can change through prayer and abstinence, that celibacy is possible and can be achieved through sufficient piety and resolve—all lies promoted by conservative churches. And anti-gay religion can tacitly encourage harassment and violence against gays by teaching people that gays are bad people and so need not be treated well. It would not be so bad if religions enforced their anti-gay doctrines only on their own members and adherents––forbidding them to have a gay marriage, forbidding gay sex, working to keep gay rights laws from applying to their adherents. But no! They
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American Idol is a show everyone watches––young, old, from Red States and Blue. It is a throwback, almost, to the days of television when families would gather around a television set and watch enriching programming together. And one of its big draws these days is a lesbian. The New York Times pointed out last weekend that Ellen DeGeneres “finds a way to remind audiences of her sexual status on almost every episode of ‘American Idol.’” It continues: “More than in any other of her ventures, Ms. DeGeneres’s performace on America’s favorite television show suggests how hard she works to seem effortlessly funny and how determined she is to be openly but unthreateningly gay.” She brings it up gently, making jokes and bright-eyed allusions, mentioning her wife Portia, talking about her suits and short, tousled hair. And America loves it. Ellen is America’s sweetheart of the moment, funny, down to earth, a pretty, sparkly woman whom everyone can relate to. And the extraordinary thing is that her gayness doesn’t get in the way of that or hide it – instead, she makes being gay seem to be the absolutely normal thing that it is. And an icon of Gay Normal is important. All too often––still––anti-gay conservatives point to people on the edges of our community as being representative of all gays and lesbians. They take images from Pride Parades and television and gay circuit parties and try to paint us as social outliers who are strange and frightening (or inappropriate and silly) and thus a danger to mainstream marriage, work and family. Those who lie on our edges––Adam Lambert, say, or Johnny Weir, or any of the Dykes on Bikes––are important to us and are part of our community. They help us define our GLBT culture as one that celebrates fiercely individual personalities who nonetheless come together for common causes and celebrations. We need them and we love them and we celebrate their outrageousness. But we need our Ellen DeGenereses and Dan Chois (and now Ricky Martins and someday Anderson Coopers), too. We need public figures who seem like the best friend that you wish lived next door, people who are safely sexy, people you can trust to watch your dog, people who you’d welcome
to meet your kids and your folks and your elderly Aunt Martha. Ellen works hard for us. As the Times says, her private life is “served up as an affirmation of gay marriage set in a Harlequin romance frame.” And she brings her life “with her on America’s most conventional reality show.” She makes gay marriage and gay rights seem easy to take––and not just easy, but almost as if they are a fait accompli. Ellen had a beautiful wedding and the many pictures and videos of a beloved Gay Normal icon getting hitched surely made marriage equality easier for middle America to imagine. They can picture being at a wedding of a gay couple now. Which means that they are slowly being won over to our side. America loves Ellen. Her daytime talk show may collect the gigantic Oprah Winfrey audience once Oprah moves on at some point next year. (The Times says she is the best bet to inherit “Oprah’s mantle as talk show queen.”) Her gentle jokes and self-deprecating bits have made her the most amusing judge to watch on American Idol. Ellen has hosted the Emmys and Oscars, won 12 Emmy’s herself, and convinced thencandidate Barack Obama to dance on her talk show. She is happy and successful and famous and––normal. She is what middle America wants to be. The contest for best singer might still be going on over at Fox, but America has already crowned it’s next American Idol – and it’s Ellen DeGeneres. Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning writer and columnist. Email her at Jennifer.Vanasco@gmail.com; follow her at Twitter.com/JenniferVanasco.
Arts, Entertainment & Lifestyle
FREESTYLE
“25” To LiFe
An interview with out singer/songwriter Patty Larkin By gregg Shapiro MuSiC, tV & fiLM eDitor
Musicians have found a variety of ways to commemorate musical anniversaries, including massive concert tours and expanded reissues of hit albums. Out singer/songwriter Patty Larkin has taken a fascinating and rewarding approach with “25” (Signature Sounds), a double disc set on which she revisits more than two dozen love songs from the course of her prolific career. What sets the songs apart is that she is joined on the songs by 25 different friends, including queer musicians such as Catie Curtis, Janis Ian, Erin McKeown and Cheryl Wheeler, as well as Rosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams, Suzanne Vega, Jonatha Brooke, Martin Sexton, Peter Mulvey and Mary Chapin Carpenter, whose contributions to their respective tunes are both sublime and celebratory. I spoke with Patty prior to the release of “25.” Gregg Shapiro: You are representing 25 years of music on two discs on the “25” album. What was involved in song selection process, considering that there was much material to choose from? Patty Larkin: Before we chose the songs, we decided on the theme, so that helped (laughs). When I first started thinking about doing something for this year, I thought I would do unplugged versions of these songs that I’d recorded through the years. I just assumed that I would do a little bit of everything. Then 2009 was such a crummy year in many ways. There was illness in my family, my mom passed away in September and it just seemed really appropriate to choose the love songs to do. But, also as a thank you to everybody that has been with me through the years, the listeners and the people that show up at shows and the people who have supported me and booked me. So it was a big mushy moment, I think. GS: How did you go about selecting the friends? PL: Well, I began with people that I have toured with through the years and recorded with through the years, and that kind of made sense to get a hold of people like Rosanne Cash and John Gorka and Bruce Cockburn. Dar Williams lives around the corner from me in the summer. It was kind of organic in the beginning. Then people all said yes and it was like, okay let’s ask a couple more people and then they said yes and then the next few said yes, and so it just snowballed into, “we’re on our way to twenty five” (laughs). What’s to stop us? And it seemed like a really cool concept. I always like to have these themes for the records, focus for the album. It’s unbelievable that we pulled it off. That these incredibly busy, talented people who I have worked with over the years, both sides of the aisle as they say, people who have opened for me or I have opened for them, and they came through in such a beautiful way. They accepted this assignment (laughs), they said yes! GS: There are also people such as Jonatha (Brooke), (Mary) Chapin (Carpenter) and Jennifer (Kimball) who’ve also previously appeared with you on records as well. PL: Yes, that is definitely the case. I always call myself a “shy ham.” I love performing, but I’m sort of a shy person until I’m not. So, some of these people I thought, “do I dare ask Chapin again?” First of all if we can find her, the worst she can do is say “no, I can’t, I’m too busy.” It’s an interesting time in the business too where I think people are interested in reaching out and they are interested in combining shows or efforts in a way because it’s a challenging time. Not for every single one of these artists, but the word that we were getting back was that this sounds like a really cool idea. Things being what they are in the world, the economy, the business, let’s do it, that would be great. More often than not, that was where people were coming from on this. GS: In terms of order, did you choose the song and then the “friend” or vice versa? How did you pair that up? PL: I think initially my mom passed away in September and before she died I was playing songs for her and talking about this project, saying “I’m going to ask a few friends.” I knew who I was going to call or who I was going to begin with, but I wasn’t sure what I was going to have them sing on. Other than Bruce Cockburn, who had already recorded “Open Arms,” so we thought that might be interesting for him to just come on back for an encore (laughs) with that song. We’ve
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done it live and we’ve done it in a couple different recordings. Other than that, it was really going through the songs and suggesting songs to people, or some people had a song or two that they really wanted to do. Dar wanted to do “Good Thing” or “You and Me.” Peter Mulvey pretty much knew he wanted to do “Booth of Glass.” So, some people we would mail a couple options, or two or three. Other people, like Suzanne Vega, I just said “I really hear you on this, so here’s an mp3 of what we did, check it out.” She really liked it and then I had to go record the song. That was what was interesting. It was all happening at the same time. It was like this little machine that was FedExing the material to people, because everybody was elsewhere, except for Cheryl Wheeler, and then waiting for them to get the time in their schedules to record it and get it back to me, and we had to mix it. It was tight, but we did it. GS: Did you solicit fan input at all in the process? PL: No, not at all. I think part of it, too, was how quickly we were working. It was an emotional period for me as well and I think that it was enough to get the music down, you know (laughs)? The other thing, too, is that starting up, I hadn’t been playing much over the summer. Then you say, “okay, I’m going to do 25 songs,” even though they are paired down, unplugged, it’s still a lot of material to get through and be happy with. I found a little bit of, “oh gosh, we’re at 17 (laughs), we only have eight more to go.” When the mixer was doing it, he said “we were going to do five a day and just churn through it. And then come back to it.” GS: In making the record with the addition of the friends, did any of the songs reveal something to you that you didn’t expect that you hadn’t heard the first time? PL: Oh, yeah. Yes, definitely. I cried more than once. Just how beautiful it was or how much care they took. Like what Jonatha did with “Only One” or Martin (Sexton), just all of them. (David) Wilcox was the first one in and I just started crying and I thought, “oh my God, this is gorgeous. That he took that much time and that he sang so beautifully on it, that he played an instrument on it that works really well.” I think that is the beauty of working with someone else and collaborating—you get that extra shot of insight where you would never go. For instance, with Jonatha Brooke’s harmony on “Only One,” I never would have gone there, never would have gone up with the harmony. When I recorded it, I just followed the vocal and played sort of a blues lead guitar on it. She makes it into the heavenly, minimalist piece. GS: I was thinking, too, about “Beautiful” and Erin (McKeown). It has this sort of Ani DiFranco kind of call response thing going on. That was a revelation, too. PL: (Laughs) Yeah, it’s really fun. And the fact that she plays organ and keyboards and
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piano on it, I didn’t even know she plays those (laughs). And to hear her phrasing in comparison to my phrasing and her attitude come through; it’s just perfect. GS: “Lost & Found” is performed by The Shelas, which consists of you, your sister Sheila, Catherine David and Merrie Amsterburg. Do you think that there may be a She-las record down the line? PL: (Laughs) That was the name of a group that I wanted to form that was going to be a vocally charged group, and I asked my sister if I could use her name. It turns out that there is a group called The Sheilas; it’s this girl group, hot rock group (laughs). So, we had to spell it differently. I think probably not but you never know. My sister had a stroke after surgery about a year ago. She’s a jazz piano player, music therapist, and grade school counselor. It’s been a tough year for her coming back from that, and to have her on was like this victory lap. You’re on your way back, it’s a different life, but we survived. I don’t think we’ll do any gigs, but it was a dream of mine to have a band called the She-las and to have Sheila in it. GS: I know that you were limited in the number of songs—25 for your 25th anniversary—but there are some surprising omissions, including “The Book I’m Not Reading.” Was that song ever in the running for inclusion? PL: Yeah, it was and it’s a cornerstone of my live show. We just thought it didn’t have enough to do with love, although there is one or two that have that some issue. I think I did do “Book I’m Not Reading” and recorded it and “Me and That Train,” and we just held off. I don’t know, there are a couple from the first album too that I recorded and I just didn’t like the way they turned out. But, “Book I’m Not Reading” was there for a while (laughs). I’m sorry it didn’t make it in. GS: Now, you are embarking on a tour that takes you all the way through December. Will any of your friends from “25” be joining you on stage when you perform in their respective cities? PL: I sure hope so. I mean they better (laughs). I know Erin, she’s always really easy to work with. I’m hoping Suzanne will sing with me. Peter Mulvey and I have sung together before, Dar and I. John Gorka and I are going to California next week and we will definitely be singing. Janis Ian, I’m working with her and Catie Curtis down in Florida and they are always in to collaborating on stuff. Wilcox and I, Bruce and I, it’s all good. I think that unless it’s a festival, which is always…people get crazy and they come and go quickly, it’s hard to catch up with them. But, for the co-bill the situation, I am going to offer that they come in and sit with me. Patty Larkin performs with Cheryl Wheeler Apr. 11 at 4 & 7:30 p.m. in The Old Town School of Folk Music - Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln. Call (773) 728-6000.
By Gregg Shapiro MuSiC, tV anD fiLM eDitor
Apr. 8, Thurs. At 7 p.m., Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, hosts a women’s poetry reading with E. Nina Jay, Nikki Patin, Sharmili Majmudar, Marty McConnell and Barrie Cole. Call (773) 381-8030. Outdanced’s Stardust @ Berlin, 954 W. Belmont presents Shit Robot at 10 p.m. Call (773) 525-2460. “Dirty” hosts the weekly 9 p.m. open mic, with sign up at 8:30 p.m., Thursdays at Lizard’s Liquid Lounge, 3058 W. Irving Park. Call (773) 463-7599. “Billy Elliott the Musical,” with songs by Elton John, continues at the Ford Center For The Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph. Call (312) 977-1700.
Apr. 9, Fri. The Soft Pack, featuring out drummer Brian Hill, and Male Bonding and Beaters play the Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western, at 10 p.m. Call (773) 276-3600. Comic genius Bill Maher performs at 7:30 p.m. at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr. in Hammond, Ind. Call (866) 711- SHOE . The third and final concert in the Chamber Series, Free Recovery, features The Joffrey Ballet performing “My Funny Valentine” from Lar Lubovitch’s “…smile with my heart,” and the pas de deux from Christopher Wheeldon‘s “Carousel,” as well as compositions by Edward Elgar, Nicole Mitchell and other original American composers, at Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph. Call (312) 386-8905.
Apr. 10, Sat. Out musician Owen Pallett (formerly Final Fantasy) plays Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln, at 10 p.m. Call (773) 525-2508. Beckie Menzie & Tom Michael celebrate their 10th anniversary as a musical duo with “That 60’s Show,” featuring songs by The Beatles, The Supremes, The Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, Petula Clark and many more, at 8 p.m. at Davenport’s, 1383 N. Milwaukee. Call (773) 278-1830. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, presents Foxy Shazam at 9 p.m. Call (773) 281-4444. John Mayer’s “Battle Studies” Tour with special guest Michael Franti & Spearhead stops by United Center, 1901 W. Madison, at 7 p.m. Call (312) 455-4500. Skokie Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln in Skokie, welcomes Special Consensus at 8 p.m. Call (847) 677-7761. Hugh Cornwell (of The Stranglers) performs at 7 p.m., with Kristeen Young, at Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace. Call (773) 478-4408. Mission of Burma comes to Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee, at 9 p.m. Call (773) 4893160.
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Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr. in nearby Three Oaks, Mich., has Shawn Mullins at 8 p.m. (ET). Call (269) 756-3879. Funkadesi! plays FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt in Berwyn, at 9 p.m. Call (708) 788-2118.
Apr. 11, Sun. Lambda Literary Award finalist James Magruder reads from his new novel “Sugarless” at 4 p.m. at Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville. Call (773) 381-8030. Out singer/songwriters Patty Larkin and Cheryl Wheeler play two shows, at 4 & 7:30 p.m. in The Old Town School of Folk Music - Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln. Call (773) 728-6000. Beyondmedia presents Extravabandza, an evening of live music featuring 8 Inch Betsy, Polymer Twins, Transcendental Splitters, and more, with a live auction mc’d by Actor Slash Model, with proceeds to benefit Beyondmedia Education, at 6 p.m. at The Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood. Call (773) 274-5463. Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence, welcomes Thom Yorke/Atoms For Peace tonight and tomorrow night at 8 p.m. Call (773) 561-9500. Chicago Theater, 175 N. State, presents a cappella group Straight No Chaser at 7:30 p.m. Call (312) 462-6300.
Apr. 12, Mon. Samba Bamba plays Martyrs’, 3855 N. Lincoln, at 8 p.m. Call (773) 404-9494. House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn, has Florence & The Machine with Holy Hail at 7 p.m. Call (312) 923-2000. Schuba’s, 3159 N. Southport, welcomes The Morning Benders and Miniature Tigers at 8 p.m. Call (773) 525-2508. Al Rose & Friends play Uncommon Ground Devon, 1401 W. Devon, at 8 p.m. Call (773) 465-9801.
Apr. 13, Tues. Stephen Leonard hosts Unpugged: An Acoustic Concert Series at 9 p.m. at The Wild Pug, 4810 N. Broadway. Call (773) 784-4811. Caw! Caw! and Yawn are at Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, at 8 p.m. Call (773) 478-4408. Empty Bottle, 1045 N. Western, presents Dead Meadow and Imaad Wasif at 9:30 p.m. Call (773) 276-3600.
Apr. 14, Wed. Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, hosts a men’s poetry reading at 7 p.m. with Richard Fox, Adam Hart, Gregg Shapiro, Robert MacDonald, Kurt Heintz, and Joe Eldridge. Call (773) 381-8030 DFA presents a disco dance party with Still Going, Vapor Eyes and Another at 8 p.m. at Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace. Call (773) 4784408.
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tV & Film
Cologne from ah to Zett
Cult films
Getting around Cologne is a great walking and biking city. It is laid out on a grid, is compact and there are plenty of signs. If you don’t feel like exercising, hop on the Stadtbahn (tram), part of an extensive light rail system. The trains (S-Bahn or U-Bahn) in Cologne range in price from 1.30 euro ($1.75) to 2.20 euro ($2.95). You can get a day ticket for 6.10 euro ($8.18) or a day ticket for five people. You can even take the S-Bahn to and from the airport, for only 2.30 euro ($3). The trip to the center of the city takes just 15 minutes. Taxis, by contrast, cost about 25 euro ($33) and naturally, take longer in traffic. DID YOU KNOW? The Cologne Cathedral is one of the world’s largest churches and for four years, between 1880 and 1884, it was the tallest structure in the world. It was eventually surpassed with the completion of the Washington Monument, and later by the Eiffel Tower.
FROM FOU TO FRUH: Last time I was in Cologne, I learned that many pubs and restaurants have friendly setups so diners can share tables. That’s one reason that in this town, it’s so easy to strike up a conversation with strangers. One of those places is Fruh. It’s located just a couple of blocks from the Cologne Dom and is probably the most popular brewery/restaurant in the city. It’s also the most touristy, but I like it because it looks like what I pictured a German restaurant to be like when I was a kid. I ordered an overpriced Kölsch beer. Kölsch beer can be traced back to the 15th century. It’s a light, top-fermenting brew that can only be created in the city. It is served by traditional Cologne waiters called Kobes and comes in tall, skinny glasses that keep the beer fresh and cold. The price of a beer is between 1.20 euro ($1.60) and 1.55 euro ($2), depending on whether you’re in a tourist area or not. Brauhaus Fruh, Am Hof 1214, Cologne; tel.: 49-0221-26 13 0. RHEIN TERRASSEN: Of course, I’ve saved the best for last. The perfect place for visitors or locals to celebrate a special occasion is at Rheinterrassen. It’s located on the Rhine River across the way from the city, so diners have the most amazing view of the Cologne skyline, especially the Cologne Dom at sunset. I found the food to be just as
good as the view. We started off with pumpkin soup, served in a hollowed-out pumpkin. I’m not even a fan of pumpkin, but it was in season and I was told I simply had to try it. I’m glad I did, because it was scrumptious. I should have just had that and the delicious bread as my meal, because by the time my filet of beef came around—so tender I cut it with a butter knife—I wasn’t even hungry. At the very least, come and have a drink at the bar or on the outdoor patio. Restaurant Rheinterrassen (www.rhein-terrassen.de), Rheinparkweg 1, Köln; Tel.: (02 21) 65 00 43 21.
CHOCOLATE MUSEUM: The Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) opened in 1993 in a beautiful location on the Rheinau Peninsula at the center of Cologne (a 10-minute walk from the Cologne dom). Almost 1,500 people per day learn the 3,000year cultural history of chocolate in this 13,000-square foot museum, featuring three levels and 2,000 exhibits. There’s even a tropical greenhouse, with cocoa trees and 60 other exotic plant types. This is not only a museum, but a working factory where visitors can see how chocolate is made, and enjoy a free sample from the chocolate fountain. Of course, a store at the end is packed with salivating chocolate lovers and screaming kids. Exhibitions are handicapped-friendly, and in German and English. Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Closed on Monday. Admission: Adults: 7.50 EUR ($10). Children under 6, and those with a birthday on the day of their visit enter free. The 21 EUR family pass ($28) is valid for two adults and any number of children. Chocolate Museum, Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a, Köln; 49-(0)-221-9318880. Courtesy of travel expert Johnny Jet who visits 20 countries a year looking for great deals.
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Classic films with a twist By Brian Kirst Contributing writer
Protected and most certainly catered to by the studio systems that bred them, the grand ladies of the silver screen did manage to prove one thing with their (less noteworthy, yet gleefully fun) latter day film productions––that underneath all the glamour, illusion and fuzzy publicity they were actresses, first and foremost. They attacked their spinster harridans, curious scientists and maniacal murderers with the same force (and oftentimes a more precise set of performing skills) as they did the singing princesses, plucky waitresses and the Broadway bound stars of their youth. In fact, Lana Turner’s controlling and crippled mama ‘baddest‘ in 1974’s “Persecution” (AKA “The Graveyard”, “Sheba” and more than ten other titles) and Gloria De Haven’s curious pathologist in the low budget monster epic “Bog” (1978) prove that these ladies’ skills were still cooking with arsenic-like strength even in the dreary climes of London and the furthest reaches of Wisconsin. Bog. 1978. Gloria DeHaven (1925-Present). Role: Ginny Glenn/Adrianna. Filmed in Harshaw, Wisconsin in 1978 (but not seeing the light of day until the early 1980’s), “Bog” allows Hollywood musical royalty DeHaven (who appeared in “Step Lively” with Frank Sinatra and played her own entertainer mother, Flora Parker DeHaven, in “Three Little Words”) to add a true (‘n truly goofy) monster flick to her aged coterie of television dramas, soap operas and afternoon hosting appearances. In her dual roles, hyphenate Ginny Glenn (described as a coroner, pathologist and biologist by various sources from within and without the film) and ageless woods hag Adrianna, DeHaven simply and authoritatively illiterates scientific jargon as the former and adds a sense of mysterious menace as the latter. Still lushly attractive at 53, the flaming haired singer grounds the film’s outrageous occurrences with quiet dignity and honesty. A bit of Hollywood posing does leak in when Ginny’s romance with the local sawbones (Marshall Thompson––late of “It! The Terror From Beyond”) reaches its peak and as she ‘Fay Wray’s it in the fish-beast’s arms during the final moments, but as a whole DeHaven is restrained and powerful never sinking to ‘how did my career come to this?’ pathos. DeHaven’s thankful subtlety grounds the film itself, which concerns a (supposedly) prehistoric sea creature brought to the surface of a small country town by illegal dy-
namite fishing, with a professionalism and sense of fun that allows the audience , fully, into the proceedings. Filmed almost documentary-style (like many 1970’s swampland creature features such as “Creature from Black Lake” and “Return to Boggy Creek” with Dawn Wells from “Gilligan’s Island”) by director Don Keeslar (who obviously embraced the outdoors––his only other directing credit is “The Capture of Grizzly Adams”), “Bog” also serves as a historical document––allowing one to experience small town life circa the late 70’s as many locals, both professional (such as Carol Terry, of low budget cult film god Ted V. Mikels’ “The Doll Squad”) and not, are used in the proceedings. In fact, the vicious creature is enacted by a 6’7”, 247 pound resident, Thomas “Jeff” Schwad. Of course, Schwad’s creature, when fully revealed, looks like a flapping, winged “Creature of the Black Lagoon” prototype with a massive fish for a head-making it one of the most hysterical and oddly memorable creatures of the mutant beast genre. Designed as part ecological statement (don’t blow up the fishies!) and part horny aberration (the creature survives on the blood of women and somehow, utilizes them to conjure up a boatload of fertilized, ocean bottom caviar), “Bog” is outrageous, choppily edited and a wonderful document of the drive-in cinema of its time. In between its bouts of monster mania, “Bog” is as laid back and slow going as a long country day, as well. If those days included a comical shot of a deputy’s hand, sinking into the drink, a la Excalibur, with a wrinkled fish’s mouth wrapped around his elbow, that is! “Bog” is available on public domain style DVD from 905 Entertainment.
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Calendar The Red or White Ball draws some of Chicago ’s most influential young philanthropists and benefits Steppenwolf for Young Adults. The evening includes cocktails, food, music, dancing a silent auction and raffle prizes. Ticket prices are $125 for individual tickets, $250 for VIP tickets (includes exclusive reception, enhanced gift bags and more).
APRIL 8 8 PM
Cabaret at green dolphin Street 2200 N. Ashland (773) 395-0066 chicagocabaretproject.com The Chicago Cabaret Project delivers a sensational revue featuring songs from Broadway Gospel and Jazz classics! Chicago jazz legend Lynne Jordan hosts the evening as Mistress of Ceremonies with guests Rus Rainear as ‘Carol Channing’ and the burlesque artistry of Miss Kitty Victorian! The venue boasts a full service experience including food and drink during each performance. Tickets are $10 in advance, $20 at the door.
APRIL 9 7:30 PM
Tpan’s positively aware Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted (773) 975-9244 www.tpan.com Taking place the 2nd Friday of each month at Hydrate Nightclub; each person who makes a minimum $5 donation to Test Positive Aware Network at the door will receive open bar. This is a great opportunity for the community to come together in support of the HIV/AIDS community.
8 PM
red or White ball Salvage One 1840 W. Hubbard (312) 733-0098 www.salvageone.com
6 PM
opening reception for Youth program - artist “The black poltergeist” Center on Halsted 3656 N. Halsted (773) 472-6469 www.centeronhalsted.org A reception kicks off “The Long Road,” an exhibition by Youth Program Artist “The Black Poltergeist.” The exhibit runs through April 30th, 2010.
APRIL 10 7 PM
dyke delicious screening: Therese and isabelle Chicago Filmmakers 5423 N. Clark (773) 293-1447 www.chicagofilmmakers.org In the French countryside an elegant woman pays a nostalgic visit to her adolescent girls school where she passionately remembers her first fiery and forbidden romance. The tenderness of these two lonely girls’ erotic awakenings blossoms in the repressive environment. Social hour 7 pm, 8 pmscreening.
9 PM
hate Crimes: a Love Story Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted (773) 975-9244 http://quixotic.tix.com Enjoy Hydrate’s hospitality while Quixotic presents a night of short scenes and songs written/performed by our gay-tastic ensemble. See what happens when a Detective and his Male Femme Fatale attempt to piece together a drunken night in Boystown; a Lesbian Vaudeville duo rekindle their act after decades of silence
ABSOLUTE “MUST SEE, MUST DO” EVENTS
Apr8- Apr14
and a soulful sedcutor serenades Fred Phelps with a love song. Hydrate yourself with a drink, while Quixotic dives into the deep end of the sea of unlawful love, lust and unstoppable laughter. Tickets: $10.
APRIL 11 12 PM
national Cheese Fondue day Geja’s Café 340 W. Armitage (773) 281-9101 www.gejascafe.com Chicago’s legendary fondue restaurant Geja’s Café will be offering complimentary samples of their world renowned Swiss Gruyere Cheese fondue on the outdoor patio through April 17. You are invited to join in Geja’s festive atmosphere and enjoy the cheese paired with French, Onion and Pumpernickel breads, apples and red seedless grapes.
APRIL 12 5:30 PM
“T” Talk Center on Halsted 3656 N. Halsted (773) 472-6469 ext. 495 www.centeronhalsted.org This free event is a casual, peerlead conversation group for those 18 years and older who either identify as transgendered or are dealing with a gender identity issue, moderated by Christina Kahrl (COH Transgender Program Volunteer Liaison).
6 PM
Let’s Talk about Sex CGY Youth Pride Center 1218 W. Addison (773) 610-5320 A discussion group where LGBT youth can ask questions about sex, relationships and dating.
APRIL 13 7 AM
Chicago gay/Lesbian Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast Ann Sather 909 W. Belmont (773) 303-0167 www.glchamber.org Join the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for our monthly networking program featuring SPEED NETWORKING. This is a great opportunity for you to network one on one with 12 to 35 new business contacts in a timed organized environment. During this event you will be asked to talk about your business in 5 minute rounds so be sure to have brochures and business cards with you. A light breakfast, coffee, tea, and sweetrolls will be provided. Don’t miss speed networking, it only happens once a quarter! Member: $10 Non-Member: $20
APRIL 14 3 PM
beyond Choice: Women of Color and reproductive Justice 750 S. Halsted Student Center East, Rm 302 (312) 413-5150 www.uic.edu/depts/wsweb/ The University of Illinois at Chicago gender and women’s studies program presents a lecture by Andrea Smith, a longtime anti-violence and Native American activist and scholar. Her publications include “Native Americans and the Christian Right: The Gendered Politics of Unlikely Alliances” and “Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide.” She is co-founder of the national grassroots organization INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence.
APRIL 14-18 2 PM & 7:30 PM
american ballet Theatre Civic Opera House 20 N. Wacker (312) 419-0033 www.abt.org The American Ballet Theatre comes to the Civic Opera House for seven performances. The company performs its “All American Celebration” one night only (April 14) and its acclaimed “Swan Lake” for the remainder.
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theater “ragtime” Written by: Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens and Terrence McNally Showing: Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Ln. (Oakbrook Terrace), thru May 23 Tickets: $31-$45 Contact: (630) 530-0111 or www.drurylane.com reviewed by Lawrence Bommer t H e at e r e D i t o r
Evoking an earlier era’s hope and anger, “Ragtime” is drawn from E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel, a saga of turn-of-the-century American archetypes that embraces with equal fervor our dreams and our nightmares. Impassively ironic, the work juxtaposes notables from the century’s un-innocent infancy (Harry Houdini, Henry Ford, J.P. Morgan, Emma Goldman, Evelyn Nesbit, and a white-washed Booker T. Washington) with representative Americans whose interwoven destinies mirror our nation’s continuing upheavals. Streamlined by Terrence McNally, the cascading plot confronts an unnamed privileged clan from New Rochelle with the growing pains of a class-ridden America. In terrible love with Sarah, an innocent and fearful young mother, Coalhouse Walker is a black musical pioneer who woos his beloved with his supple rags. A force for justice or vengeance, his struggle for dignity is mirrored in every subplot in this musical crucible of democracy. The saving strengths of this ambitious musical are a melodious Flaherty and Ahrens score with irresistible overtones of Scott Joplin, Aaron Copland—even Stephen Sondheim—and the stunning stagecraft by director Rachel Rockwell. The look is ever changing: Kevin Depinet’s old-school proscenium frames a dazzling series of vintage projections, video and depicting posters and period photos. Santo Loquasto’s original costumes strategically separate the races and tribes. Quentin Darrington magnificently fills the outsized part of Coalhouse, a role that seems historically improbable but psychologically inevitable. As Sarah, Valisia LeKae delivers a woman whose thwarted love becomes a fact of history. Cory Goodrich makes decent Mother matter throughout, and Mark Kaplan plays Tateh with the tenacity of every immigrant hero.
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“resurrection blues” Written by: Arthur Miller Showing: Eclipse Theatre at Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., thru May 9 Tickets: $25 Contact: (773) 404-7336 or or www.greenhousetheater.org
“Lost boys of Sudan” Written by: Lonnie Carter Showing: Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., thru Apr. 25 Tickets: $20-$48 Contact: (773) 871-3000 or www.victorygardens.org
“point break Live!” Adapted by: Jaime Keeling and Jamie Hook Showing: New Rock Theater, 3931 N. Elston Ave., open run Contact: (866) 811-4111 or www.pointbreaklive.com
reviewed by Lawrence Bommer
reviewed by Brian Kirst
Contributing writer
t H e at e r e D i t o r
Contributing writer
Considering the advent of the mass stupidity called reality television, Arthur Miller’s 2002 drama, the master’s next-to-last offering, seems perversely prescient. He imagines an American pharmaceutical firm purchasing the rights to televise the execution of a charismatic, Christ-like rebel figure, captured during a guerrilla war against a banana republic junta. Will another Christ die for our serial sinning? The first in the theater’s year long season of plays by the late great American truthteller about witch hunts and the American dream, “Resurrection Blues” is a curious mess. This failed comedy argues that Christ acts through our imagination and thus never was or will be among us in fact. The mysterious messiah whom this clumsy general wants to execute is, according to the desires of these broadly drawn characters, a moneymaking commercial spokesman, an avenging freedom fighter, a miracle worker, an allpurpose healer or the hope of the universe. Unfortunately, this exasperatingly moody play, with more tangents than a geometry course, proves just as disparate and unfocused as these agendas. Its half-baked idea mongering only makes director Nathaniel Swift’s frenzied and frantic staging all the more irritating. It never slows down enough to ever seem serious. Miller is no comic playwright and to favor this script’s imbecilic jokiness over his more characteristically philosophical ponderings on the need for myth to sustain morality—well, it poorly serves a play that the author didn’t bless much in the first place. Ron Butts fares best as the author’s mouthpiece for the aesthetics of theological belief. Least successful is Matt Weston as a gasbag dictator who never seems believably scary or hilariously ridiculous. But here the fault is every bit as much the author’s as the actor’s.
As a ‘there but for fortune’ parable, the Victory Gardens’ Chicago premiere production of Lonnie Carter’s “The Lost Boys of Sudan”, is truly powerful theatre. This social impact loses none of its power even when Carter’s rhyme ridden adventure makes its points too blatantly or when his matching line schemes become a bit too awkward. Inspired by the popular documentary of the same name (in which three boys from a Sudanese refugee camp are relocated to Fargo, North Dakota), Carter’s piece follows three teens as they escape from guerrilla warfare and find their way to their ‘initial’ idea of the good life––a camp for refugees. Soon, through special assignment, they find themselves leaving the warmth (and bloodshed) of Sudan for the chill (and basketball) of North Dakota. Forced into unfamiliar activities and facing a pop culture that escapes them, the three eventually make their peace with their past and welcome a new way of life. (Or do they?) Carter’s protagonists are truly winning individuals and he explores their death ridden flight from slaughterhouses, dingy oil field labor camps and the forceful acts of militant uprisings with a magical power (in which his poetry often finds flight) in the first act. This tact does not work as well after the three arrive in America and Carter—who acknowledges in his Playbill note that the work may not be fully realized as of yet—may be wise to drop the scheme altogether in the show’s final portion. Still, director Jim Corti and the excellent cast work with a flowing ease, making Carter’s work sing, even when it reaches After School Special conclusions.
reviewed by Web Brehens You’re likely to have some unique experiences at “Point Break Live!”, the raucous rip-off (er, adaptation) of the cult-classic surfer-bandit Kathryn Bigelow film, which starred Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves as man-crush studs on opposite sides of the law. “Unique experiences” shouldn’t suggest this show is original in any way; parody homage theater has deep roots in Chicago— from companies such as Hell in a Handbag and the defunct Defiant Theater, who’d have done a more clever job here. That’s not to say this critic-proof Seattle import (by way of L.A., where it’s still running after more than two years) doesn’t deliver what it promises: an audience-immersive, high-octane good time. Water sprays from surf sequences and climactic blood baths are why they sell rain-jacket “Survival Kits” for a buck; you probably oughtta spring for one. And then there are the horny surfers who might sit in your lap, or force you to the floor in bank-robber mode. (My right shoulder still smarts from that. The sacrifices we make for art! And for beer-fueled late-night silliness.) Beyond that shtick, the show sails on its yes-you-can-drink policy, plus the gimmick of casting an audience member as FBI agent Johnny Utah every night. That’s the Keanu role, and getting an inexperienced guy to play it is the perfect joke/metaphor for Keanu’s notoriously wooden acting. Meanwhile, the regular ensemble does a fine job with the rest of the roles. The shirtless horn -dog surfers (with amped-up homoerotism) are hilarious. Standout performances come from Matthew Peck as Bodhi (the Swayze part) and Tracie Dahlke as the stunt double/ cue-card girl who keeps the evening’s Keanu on track.
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cHicaGO’s HOttest alterNatiVe playGrOUNd
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Jackhammer Fri. apr. 2 P H o T o S B y S T. S u K i E d E L A C r o i x
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midlife crisis The origins of the brain fart By St. Sukie de la Croix freetiMe eDitor
Gay soldiers in the Netherlands recently threatened to sue U.S. Ret. Gen. John Sheehan after he told a Senate panel on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” that the Dutch military was ineffective because they allowed openly gay soldiers; he claimed Dutch Army General Henk van den Breemen told him gay soldiers were to blame for the 1995 massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica. Van den Breemen denies saying any such thing. Sheehan’s implication was clear, that Dutch gay soldiers were too busy filing their nails, putting on lipstick, gossiping and vogueing to see the murderous Army of Republika Srpska coming over the hill. Just supposing Ret. Gen. John Sheehan was correct and openly gay soldiers make a military ineffective, then the following countries have useless Armed Forces. These are the nations where gays serve openly: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Uruguay. Under threat of a lawsuit, Sheehan apologized for his remarks and the Dutch Army dropped their lawsuit. Question: So what caused this homophobic outburst from U.S. Ret. Gen. John Sheehan? Answer: It was a brain-fart, an inexplicable phenomenon that occurs when the doodadfloppy-thing running from the brain to the mouth malfunctions, causing the victim to blurt out a string of words that make no sense whatsoever. A brain-fart is not a disease, but a symptom of a disturbing syndrome caused by a virus of religious indoctrination and societal bullshit. In the case of Ret. Gen.
John Sheehan, the homophobic gays-inthe-Dutch-Army-are-sissies-brain-fart was exacerbated by the fact that the man is a COMPLETE FUCKING IDIOT. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), brain-farts feed on the garbage in the heads of COMPLETE FUCKING IDIOTS. The virus is incurable. Once you’ve been diagnosed with being a COMPLETE FUCKING IDIOT, you’re always a COMPLETE FUCKING IDIOT. And Ret. Gen. John Sheehan is a COMPLETE FUCKING IDIOT. Contact St. Sukie de la Croix at stcroix@ chicagowhispers.com or you can find him on facebook.
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roscoes Tue. Mar. 30 P H o T o S B y S T. S u K i E d E L A C r o i x
berlin Sun. Mar. 28 P H o T o S B y S T. S u K i E d E L A C r o i x
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Back in the Day Apr8-Apr14 By St. Sukie de la Croix FREETIME EDITOR
This week in … 1980
...
In the bars this week it’s “Laaast Caaall!!” with Empress Diana Hutton and Emperor Leatherman Tex at Coconuts, 5320 N. Sheridan; Jo Mapes is performing at His ‘n’ Hers, 944 W. Addison; and about 35 women picket Augie and CK’s lesbian bar at 3726 N. Broadway, protesting discrimination after the bar allegedly turned away black and Latino women for having improper IDs.
1983 In the bars this week GLBTs celebrate Greek Week with bellydancers Joseph and Valina performing at Loading Zone, 46 E. Oak St.; Augie and CK’s hosts a party with the 5-piece band Bare Necessities; and the Bushes, 3320 N. Halsted, displays artwork in watercolors, pen and ink by Bill McGuire.
1984 In the bars this week there’s a male dance contest at the Normandy, 3400 N. Clark St., MC’d by Tina Ray; Mike Macharello is the hot DJ at the Music Factory, 1655 W. Fullerton; Bus Stop, 520 N. Clark St. celebrates its 2nd anniversary; and singer-comedian Russ Tremayne invites you to Michelle Fire’s Opal Station, 6655 N. Clark St. for two Wild, Wacky, Romantic, Yet Tacky Shows.
1986 Jean Swallow, editor of “Out From Under: Sober Dykes & Our Friends” reads from her new novel “Leave a Light on for Me” at Women and Children First, 1967 N. Halsted.
... The DePaul University College of Law sponsors a conference on AIDS at the Park Hyatt Hotel, 800 N. Michigan. “AIDS: Medical, Legal, Ethical and Social Dimensions of a Health Crisis” is aimed at educating serviceminded professionals about AIDS.
Legacy, a social and service organization for older gay men and lesbians, and Gay and Lesbian Physicians of Chicago, sponsor a Health Fair at Illinois Masonic Hospital.
... Christie Hefner, president and CEO of Playboy Enterprises, Inc. chairs a $100 per person “Evening With Erte” at the Merrill Chase Galleries in Water Tower Place, to raise funds for AIDS-related projects at Chicago’s Howard Brown Memorial Clinic. World-renowned artist Erte is in attendance.
1997 “Talking To Myself,” a neo-mondo solo performance by Dave Awl, is at the NeoFuturarium, 5153 N. Ashland. “If you could take yourself to lunch, what would you talk about?”
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Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays (CBLG) hold the Uois. The Illini Union, 828 S. Wolcott 2nd Floor. Guest speakers include Keith Boykin and Ken Reeves.
2002 “Petals & Pearls,” an evening of entertainment and special guests to benefit the Imperial Sovereign Barony of the Windy City, is hosted by Marquessa I Lady Chanel Exotique at Annex 3, 3160 N. Clark.
... The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Spring Show Cast Party is at North End, 3733 N. Halsted. Come see your favorite cast members cut loose!! Thanks to the Gerber/Hart Library at 1127 W. Granville for the use of their collection and archives.
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Bar & Club Guide Thu. 8 th
Fri. 9 th
Sat. 10 th
Sun. 11 th
Berlin
Stardust Thursdays with performances and special DJs, brought to you by Outdanced
Cosmix : DJ Greg Haus, electro, progressive, and alternative, $5 after 11pm
Twisted w/ DJ’s Chester & Larissa, $5 after 11pm / $7 after 1am
MODifyd. DJ Chester mixes alternative and pop. $2 Lites, $3.25 Heinekens.
Bobby Loves
$1 off domestic & draft beer & $1 shots of Pucker, all flavors.
Creaoke
$10 pitchers of Miller Lite & Michelob Ultra $14 pitchers of Svedka bloody mary’s.
$10 pitchers of Miller Lite & Michelob Ultra $14 pitchers of Svedka bloody mary’s.
The Call
Absolut Thursday $4 Absolut Cocktails $7 Absolut Martinis/Cosmos Video hits from disco to today 9pm
Shake It Up Fridays $4 Bacardi Cocktails and Bombs DJ Oskar spins dance music 9pm - 2am
Saturday Video Dance Party $5 Absolut Cocktails $5 Jameson Shots Video dance hits from disco to today 9pm
Charlie’s
$3 U-Call-It Bottles to Top Shelf - After Hours w/ DJ Mixmaster F @ 1am
9:30-1:30: 2-Stepping & Line dancing with resident DJ Michael B - 1:30-4am after hours dance party
Cocktail
Open 4pm; “Get The Weekend Started” with Video hits from Disco to Today @ 8:30pm.
Crew
Hamburger Mary’s / Mary’s Attic
954 W. Belmont (773) 348-4975 berlinchicago.com
3729 N. Halsted (773) 525-1200 bobbyloves.com
1547 West Bryn Mawr Ave. (773) 334-2525 cattlecallchicago.com
3726 N. Broadway (773) 871-8887 charlieschicago.com
3359 N. Halsted (773) 477-1420
4808 N.Broadway (773) 784 Crew worldsgreatestbar.com
5400 N Clark St 773-784-6969 hamburger maryschicago.com
Tue. 13 th
Wed. 14 th
Cheap Trix, hosted by Jay jay, with DJ Chester, $1 well and PBR
“Just Let Go...” DJ Larissa, hosted by Shayna X, $3.25 Coronas, Disco Obsession last Wed. of month with DJ Pervy
$1 off Domestic & Draft Beer - $1 off well drinks.
$2 Tuesdays - $2 for domestic/ draft beer & well drinks.
$3 shots of Jagermiester All Svedka martini’s only $5
Sunday Funday $3 Sauza Margaritas $3 Millers and $4 Imports/ MicroBrews Video hits from disco to today 9pm
Cheap Drink Mondays $2.50 well cocktails $3 Millers, $4 Imports & Micro Brews Video hits from 60’s to today 9pm
Tortilla Tuesdays Chips, Salsa and Fun $4 Beam and SoCo Cocktails Two-Step Lessons 8pm Video Mix Up 11pm
Curtains Up Wednesday Andersonvile’s Showtunes Night $3 off call martinis/cosmos Showtunes videos 9pm
9:30-2:30: 2-Stepping & Line dancing with resident DJ Michael B - 2:30-4am after hours dance party
$10 Long Isle Pitchers Karaoke w/ Dirty Laundry @ 9pm - After hours with DJ Lulu @ 1am
$10 Stoli Pitchers - $2 Well $3 Bacardi - Line Dance Lessons @ 7pm - It’s just Bingo Bitch w/ Lauren & Friday @ 11pm - After hours with DJ Duance @ 1am
$10 Absolut Pitchers - $2 Bud Light - $4 Jager & Bombs Karaoke w/ Dirty Laundry @ 8pm - After hours with DJ Lulu @ 1am
$3 Absolut Drinks, all flavors! - $2.50 Corona $2 Miller Lite - Line Dance Lessons @ 7pm - After hours w/ DJ Mixmaster F @ 1am
$12 Long Island Ice Tea Pitchers / $5 Jagerbomb Shots - DJ Freddie Bain – Hostess: Cher (first & last Friday of the month) & Sexy Go-Go Boys! – 10pm
Diva Deejays - Rotating the delicious deep house sounds of: DJ Dhanna, Miss Micheala, Tracy Tobey & Carla Starla
Super Saver Sundays with $1 well-drinks - Park your pup with Pate! 2-8pm - DJ’s Dealer, Pete Augusta & Chris Eterno Plus Sexy Go-Go Boys starting at 8pm
Boystown Bailout! Monday Madness with ½ off all drinks. Your daytime bartenders Kenny & reX. - 4-9pm DJ Andrew with your bartender Jodi – 9pm
$9 Vodka Cranberry & Vodka Lemonade Pitchers DJ Timmy Loop - Hostess: Miss Foozie & Sexy Go-Go Boys! – 10pm
$6 martinis / $4 Svedka Vodka Cocktails / $5 Jagerbomb Shots / $9 Miller Lite Pitchers Jazz & Cocktail Music with your bartender Robert – 4-9pm
Daily Lunch Specials 11:30am - 3:00pm - Happy Hour 1/2 priced appetizers 4 -6 pm Miller Lite pints $3.00 Chang bottles $3.00 (Thailand’s #1 Beer!)
Daily Lunch Specials 11:30am - 3:00pm - Happy Hour 1/2 priced appetizers 4 -6 pm Goose Island Seasonal pints $3.50 PBR cans $2.00
Shiner Bock pints $3.50 Bud Select bottles $2.75 Double Bloody Mary $6.00 Mimosa pitchers $12.00
Miller Lite pitchers $9.00 Double Bloody Mary $6.00 Beergarita, Mimosa or Monsoon pitchers $12.00
Daily Lunch Specials 11:30am - 3:00pm - Half Price Chicken Wings Dine-in only Six $3.00 / Twelve $4.50 Happy Hour 1/2 priced appetizers 4 -6 pm Stella Artois pints $3.75
Daily Lunch Specials 11:30am - 3:00pm - Happy Hour 1/2 priced appetizers 4 -6 pm Bud Light pints $2.75 Bud Light Lime bottles $3.00
Daily Lunch Specials 11:30am - 3:00pm - Happy Hour 1/2 priced appetizers 4 -6 pm Blue Moon pints $3.50 Rolling Rock bottles $2.75
MARY’S & REC ROOM: $3.50 Home-Brew Pints!
MARY’S & REC ROOM: $5 “Mary’s Punch” pints and $4 Shock Top pints.
MARY’S & REC ROOM: Mimosa Brunch served till 3 pm. First mimosa free, then just $2! $4 Leinie bottles.
MARY’S & REC ROOM: Mimosa Brunch served till 3 pm. First mimosa free, then just $2!
MARY’S: Charity HamBINGO with Velicity Metropolis at 8pm. $5 Sauza Margaritas & frozen slushies.
MARY’S: Tini-Tuesday with $3 off all Mary’s specialty martinis.
MARY’S & REC ROOM: $2 off all Mary’s “SpecialTease” cocktail pints.
ATTIC: $2 Jello Shots & $3 Miller Lite draft. No cover
ATTIC: Feel Good Fridays with Rogue DJ at 9pm. $3 Bama-Slamma Shots, $5 Mary’s Punch pints. No Cover
ATTIC: Dance Party with DJ Oskar & John Murges at 9pm. $2 Jello Shots & $5 Frozen Slushies. No Cover
Mon. 12 th
ATTIC: Cabaret Show at 7:30 (cover varies). Gong Show MaryOke with Velicity Metropolis 9pm. $3 well cocktails and domestic bottles
ATTIC: closed
REC ROOM: “Pop Quiz” trivia night. $3 off all Marytinis and $2 PBR cans ATTIC: Closed
ATTIC: MaryOke with DJ Matador at 9pm. $3 well cocktails and domestic bottles
Late Bar
“Bittersweet”: The Strawberry Girl spins bittersweet music and video. $4 Kir Royale Champagne cocktails. Open pm-4am
“FICTION”: Dark pop, electropop, dance rarities and post-contemporary visuals with DJs Gene Avenir, Wesley Groves, Adam Killing and Rolan Vega. Open 9pm – 4am
“Planet Earth”: DJ Dave Roberts spins new wave club classics: Chicago’s favorite new wave night since 1994. Open 9 P.M. – 5 A.M.
Closed
Closed
“Wolf Calls With the Warlock”: vintage rock n’ roll and video oddities. $4 margaritas, $2 PBR bottles, $3 Jameson shots. Open 9pm – 4am
Mix-Tape Meltdown”: a rotating cast of DJs, playing everything from mod & soul to glam & goth. Sponsored by Laurie’s Planet of Sound. $4 flavored Stoli drinks, $2 PBR bottles. Open 9pm – 4am
Little Jim’s
Busch Lit. Cons, Old Style Bottles, $2.25
$6 Pitchers of MGD & Miller Lite
Open until 5am
Open until 4am
Domestic Bottles, Well Drinks $2.25
MGD Draft, Miller Lite Draft $2
Premium Beer $3.50
The NorthEnd
TPAN Pulse Party 6pm with Billy! $8.75 Miller Pitchers!
$4.75 Miller Lite Drafts
College Football - don’t miss your favorite teams & games all day long!
Open at 11am with George - $3.75 mimosas all day - build your own bloody mary with all the fixins NFL Sunday Ticket
$1.75 Miller Lite mugs all day
Gotcha Dart Tourney 8pm Free entry dart tourney with $50 cash prize
Karaoke Wednesday 10pm with Mistress Melissa
Scarlet
Original Frat House Party hosted by Kevin, Jared and William with DJ Katy R. $5 40oz Miller Light, $5 26oz Corona, $5 Mini-Pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea, $5 Bacardi Red Bull Bombs
Scarlet presents The First Ward Ball - Our weekly themed party. $4 Well Drinks, $4 For All Domestics Beers, $5 Stoli-Flavored Throttle Bombs
Psycho Saturday hosted by Crossfader Kings. $5 Well and $5 import beers.
$12 Champagne Bottle, $4 Mimosas, $4 Bloody Mary’s, $3 Miller Lite, $5 StoliFlavored Throttle Bombs
Live Music Monday featuring a variety of performers.
90’s Night with DJ Heather Doble.
3320 N. Halsted (773) 348-105 scarletbarchicago.com
DJs Chicago Work Group. $3 PBR Tall Boys and $4 Svedka.
Sidetrack
Open at 3pm Comedy Night 8pm-2am
Open at 3pm Early Show tunes 5-9pm High Energy 9pm-2am
Open 3pm Classic Sidetrack Mix til 9pm High Energy Mix 9pm-3am
Open 3pm Show tunes 3pm-9pm Retro 9pm-2am
Open 3pm Show tunes 3pm-9pm
Open at 3pm U*Video U Request Tuesday 8pm-2am
Open at 3pm Best of Sidetrack 8pm-2am
Wild Pug
Cosmo’s (9 ounces of pleasure) $6
Sapporo pints $3
GEAR NIGHT Free Buzz Cuts Dress Code in Club Room Foot Friends 6pm
BEER BUST 50¢ DRAFTS BUD/BUD LIGHT Pool Tourney @ 8 pm Movie Night @ 10 pm Trucker Daddy Night
Domestic pints $2 9pm Free Pizza while it lasts
Shock Top pints $2.75
Fullers London Pride pints $3
3534 W. Belmont Ave. (773) 267-LATE latebarchicago.com
3501 N. Halsted (773) 871-6116 littlejimschicago.com
3733 N. Halsted (773) 477-7999 northendchicago.com
3349 N. Halsted (773) 477-9189 sidetrackchicago.com
4810 N. Broadway (773) 784-4811
M ale
F emale
M ix e d
V id e o
Dancing
Co u ntry
Leather
Spo rts
Enterta i nment
Open Late
Food
Click!
fr eeti me
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Join your hosts
Teri Yaki & dusTy for laughs, gasps & a chance to win a terrific grand prize every wednesday starting at 10p
$6 Effen Cocktails $12 Miller Lite Pitchers PLUS win rounds of Dekuyper Shots!
spank!
$3 Miller Lite Pints $4 Wild Turkey American Shots $9 Vodka Lemonade & Vodka Cranberry Pitchers
roscoe @ halsted
chicago
773.477.1420
cocktailbarchicago.com
Sheridan Rd
Magnolia Ave
Sheridan Rd
Kenmore Ave
Wintrhrop Ave
Broadway St
Magnolia Ave
Kenmore Ave Kenmore Ave
Sheridan Rd Sheridan Rd
Winthrop Ave Winthrop Ave
Winthrop Ave
Broadway St Broadway St
Magnolia Ave Magnolia Ave
Broadway St Broadway St
Lakewood Ave Lakewood Ave
Glenwood Ave Glenwood Ave
27 21
Wayne Ave
Gregory St
Wayne Ave
Clark St
Foster Ave
Bryn Mawr Ave
25 Clark St
Farragut Ave Summerdale Ave
Ashland Ave Ashland Ave
Berwyn Ave Balmoral Ave
Granville Ave
32
Clark St
23
Summerdale Ave
Lockwood Ave
Gregory St
Gregory St Balmoral Ave
Wayne Ave
Glenwood Ave
Bryn Mawr Ave
Clark St
Berwyn Ave
St
Addison St
Thome Ave
GregoryGranville St Ave
Ravenswood Ravenswood Ave Ave
Wolcott Ave Wolcott Ave
Damen Ave
Winchester Ave
r
Damen Ave
eD
hor eS
ay
ve
adw Bro
7
eA rov eG Pin
Waveland Ave
15 6 3
Winchester Ave
Lak
Grace St
5
Clark St
Thome Ave
Rosemont Ave
Greenview Ave
Rosemont Ave
rogers park
G
Lockwood Ave
Highland Ave
Granville Ave
t
eS rac
Devon Ave
Paulina Ave
Sheridan Rd
a p r il 8 , 2 010a p r
Highland Ave
Hermatige Ace
Ravenswood Ave
Halsted St
Byron St
Wayne Ave
34 33
Devon Ave
Newgard Ave
Schreiber Ave
Clark
St
www.chicagofreepress .com
Irving Park Rd
Winona St Farragut Ave
Winona St
Carmen Ave
Carmen Ave
Winnemac Ave
Winnemac Ave
Winona St
Winona St
rn Co
2 Berlin 954 W. Belmont (773) 348-4975 3 Bobby Love's 3729 N. Halsted (773) 525-1200 4 Bucks Saloon 3439 N. Halsted (773) 525-1125 5 Cell Block 3702 N. Halsted (773) 665-8064 6 Charlie's 3726 N. Broadway (773) 871-8887 7 Circuit Night Club 3641 N. Halsted (773) 325-2233 8 The Closet Bar 3325 N. Broadway (773) 477-8533
28 Scot’s 1829 W. Montrose (773) 528-3253
12 Little Jim's 3501 N. Halsted (773) 871-6116
andersonville/Uptown
29 Sofo 4923 N. Clark (773) 784-7636
15 North End 3733 N. Halsted (773) 477-7999 16 Roscoe's Tavern 3356 N. Halsted (773) 281-3355 17 Scarlet Chicago 3320 N. Halsted (773) 348-1053
23 The Call 1547 West Bryn Mawr Ave. (773) 334-2525 24 Crew 4804 N. Broadway (773) 784-2739 25 Hamburger Mary's
- Mary's Attic
5400 N. Clark (773) 784-6969
Sheridan Rd Sheridan Rd
Kenmore Ave
yS
t
Kenmore Ave
Magnolia Ave Magnolia Ave
Winthrop Ave
Clark St Clark St
30 T’s 5025 N. Clark (773) 784-6000 31 Wild Pug 4810 N. Broadway (773) 784-4811
33 Jackhammer 6406 N. Clark (773) 743-5772 34 Touche 6412 N. Clark (773) 465-7400
Outside map area Baton Show Lounge Downtown 436 N. Clark (312) 644-5269 Bijou Theatre Downtown 1349 N. Wells (312) 943-5397 Davenport's Wicker Park 1383 N. Milwaukee (773) 278-1830 Forest View Lounge Berwyn, IL 4519 S. Harlem (708) 484-9778
MaldenAve
DoverSt
32 Granville Anvil 1137 W. Granville (773) 973-0006
t yS wa ad Bro
Magnolia Ave Magnolia Ave
MaldenAve
DoverSt
Clark St
rogers park
Montrose Ave The Glenwood Rogers Park 6962 N. Glenwood (773) 764-7363 Montrose Ave Hunter's Nightclub Elk Grove Village, IL 1932 E. Higgins Rd. (847) 439-8840
InnExile Southwest Side 5758 W. 65th St. (773) 582-3510 Jeffery Pub South Side 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd. (773) 363-8555 Maneuvers Joliet, IL 118 E Jefferson St. (815) 727-7069 Moda Franklin Park, IL 2409 N. Manheim Rd. Second Story Bar Downtown 157 E Ohio, Second Floor (312) 923-9536 Velvet Rope Oak Park, IL 728 Lake St. (708) 358-8840
Sheridan Rd Sheridan Rd
ad Bro
wa
20 Steamworks 3246 N. Halsted (773) 929-6080
3341 N. Halsted (773) 871-6227
Ashland Ave Ashland Ave
Sunnyside Ave
26 Man's Country 5017 N. Clark (773) 878-2069
11 Hydrate Chicago 3458 N. Halsted (773) 975-9244
22 Big Chicks 5024 N. Sheridan (773) 728-5511
Greenview AVe
Wilson Ave
27 Marty's 1511 W. Balmoral (773) 561-6425
14 Minibar Ultra Lounge and Café
Paulina St
Sunnyside Ave
19 Spin Nightclub Belmont @ Halsted (773) 327-7711
21 @mosphere 5355 N. Clark (773) 784-1100
Paulina St
Hermitage Ave Hermitage Ave
Ravenswood Ravenswood Ave Ave
Wolcott Ave Wolcott Ave
27
31 24
Wilson Ave Leland Ave
10 Halsted's Bar & Grill 3441 N. Halsted (773) 348-9696
13 Lucky Horseshoe 3169 N. Halsted (773) 404-3169
Argyle St
29
Lawrence Ave
Paulina St
Damen Ave
Broadway St
Halsted St
18 Sidetrack 3349 N. Halsted (773) 477-9189
Lawrence Ave
Winnemac Ave
Clark St
3160 1 3160 N. Clark (773) 327-5969
9 Cocktail Chicago 3359 N. Halsted (773) 477-1420
Ainslie St
30 26
Greenview AVe
Boystown/lakeview
13
Damen Ave
Bar & club map
19
Belmont Ave
Melrose St
Winnemac Ave
Paulina St
School St
2
Carmen Ave
Ainslie St
Leland Ave
Ravenswood Ravenswood Ave Ave
Aldine Ave
Wolcott Ave
8
17
20
Winchester Ave
Roscoe St
Wolcott Ave
Buckingham Pl
rn
tho
Haw
9 18 14
16
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Winchester Ave
Roscoe St
St
Winchester Ave
Newport Ave
Pl
Winchester Ave
10 4
ord ratf
Damen Ave
11
Argyle St Carmen Ave
Damen Ave
St
12
Hermitage Ave
rk
ve
A elia
Hermitage Ave
Brompton Ave
andersonville/Uptown
Cla
Foster Ave
Cornelia Ave
Boystown/lakeview
Bosworth Ave
2 0 f re e t im e
Greenview Ave
Arthur Ave
fr eeti me
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Sheridan Rd Sheridan Rd
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P H o T o S B y S T. S u K i E d E L A C r o i x
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Sheridan Rd Sheridan Rd
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The Call Sun. Mar. 28 P H o T o S B y S T. S u K i E d E L A C r o i x
HELP WANTED: Sales Professional Chicago Free Press seeks a sales professional to join our advertising sales team. Ideal candidate must be motivated, reliable and have the ability to source leads and close sales. Prior experience in sales or customer service required. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (marketing, advertising or corresponding field preferred), familiarity with outside sales and the GLBT community and a professional desire to succeed. email: resumes@chicagofreepress.com
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aUtO
23
classiFieds
Marketplace Spring cleaning: papers, papers everywhere & ideas for tackling them By Diana Marszalek aP writer
With a small Manhattan apartment, Erica Linderholm struggles with a common affliction: too much paper. Bills, mail and magazines sit in what she calls “nice stacks” on her kitchen counter and table, occasionally moved to make way for other activities, such as eating. Carefully chosen bins hold old grad school papers, waiting to be reread - or not - when time allows. Work stuff gets lugged around in a rolling bag that Linderholm purchased with the idea of tackling some of it during the 45-minute commute between home and her job as a teacher. “I just schlep it around,” she said. “It’s another vessel for stuff.” Despite our supposed growth as a paperless society, a look at many kitchens, hallways and home offices shows that we are still anything but. Amassing, stacking and losing papers is alive and well in American homes, and some organizational experts say that stunts progress. “Essentially, what most of the piles represent are incompletion,” said David Allen of Ojai, Calif., author of “Getting Things Done” (Viking, 2001). Papers cease to be problems when they are read, dealt with and filed away, he said. Instead, stacks of untackled material - unread articles, unpaid bills, unanswered invitations—weigh heavily on us, making us less productive. They eat up space in the brain as well as on the kitchen counter, he said. Alaina Yoakum, a sculptor and stay-athome mom in San Rafael, Calif., said she had been “overwhelmed by my paper problem” when she turned to “Getting Things Done” for help. “I was overlooking bills, misplacing permission slips for my kids, forgetting about fliers for events I’d wanted to attend, and so much more,” Yoakum said. “I felt at a complete loss as to how to deal with the mass overload of papers.” “And it was becoming embarrassing,” she said. Since reading Allen, Yoakum said, she now has a system: Establish an inbox for new papers, which need to be reviewed in a timely manner. Papers that require action—writing a check or making a phone call, for example—that can be done in two minutes or less should be dealt with then. Anything taking longer needs to be scheduled to do later, or filed away for future reference. The results, Yoakum said, are liberating. “It hasn’t been difficult to make the change,” she said, adding that having a simple inbox has given her significant peace of mind. “Now when I’ve had to suddenly find an
important paper or receipt, I knew for a fact that I could find it there. I didn’t have to go scavenging my car, my dresser, or under my bed for it,” Yoakum said. Debbie Harwin, a professional organizer in Larchmont, N.Y., said that for many people the first step in reducing paper clutter is realizing that in this electronic age, many papers—magazine articles, for instance—no longer need to be saved. Their information can be accessed online. And managing papers that do need to be kept does not need to be messy, she said. Maintaining visible files—complete with an “action” file for papers that need attending— is key, she said. Harwin and Allen agree that throwing out papers is not always the solution; organizing them so they can be tapped as references is. “If there is not a system in place, if there is not a place for that particular piece of paper to go, it’s just going to sit in that pile,” Harwin said, “and chances are it’s going to get lost in that black hole.” Changing isn’t easy. “Every year I go through it and get rid of some,” said Linderholm, who has lived in her apartment for 26 years. “But then I come across articles that seem really interesting and never have the time to read.” She thinks the problem may run deeper than lack of time. “I think there’s an emotional component there—thinking that I need the information when in reality I don’t,” she said. In may take a transformative experience like Yoakum’s to break the cycle. “I honestly believe I feel a bit more Zen about life,” Yoakum said. “I was starting to feel so overwhelmed and scattered, and now I feel more at peace knowing that at least one aspect of my life is under control.” Spring Cleaning: Cleaning the house for spring, step by step Spring-cleaning tips, adapted from Erin Bried’s “How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew” (Ballantine Books, 2009): Step 1: Schedule the spring-cleaning (to get into the proper mindset). Have all of the proper supplies on hand and set aside plenty of time. Step 2: Make a checklist, room by room, of what needs to be cleaned. In each room, dust every surface, wipe down dirty walls and doors, vacuum and/or mop, steam clean rugs if necessary, wash light fixtures, remove and clean drapes or blinds, beat cushions, rugs, pillows and mats (outside), and clean windows inside and out.
Step 3: Room-by-room specialty tasks: • Kitchen: Wipe out fridge, defrost and wipe out freezer, clean oven, organize pantry and drawers. • Bedroom: Flip and rotate mattress, change bedding, wash pillows (if washable), swap out winter clothes for summer clothes (donate anything no longer worn). • Bathroom: Besides the usual cleaning of toilet, shower, sink and counter, clean out the medicine cabinet and drawers. • Home office: Remove books from shelves and dust; wipe down computers; organize important papers. Step 4: Prioritize tasks. If you have helpers, delegate tasks. If not, make sure you can finish what you start to avoid bigger messes. Step 5: Decorate for spring. New books for the coffee table, new pillows for the sofa, pastel dishes and fresh flowers add a punch of color and a fresh look. If you don’t want to buy anything, rearrange the furniture instead. Or transform an old piece of furniture with paint or stain. Take your chairs in for reupholstering, frame a collection of prints or photographs and replace heavy draperies with airy sheers. Finally, clear out the clutter by donating your old stuff to charity. Open up your home and life to the possibility of change signaled each year by the arrival of spring.
CONDO FOR SALE ANDERSONVILLE, $164,900. 1 bedroom coop. Hardwood floors, tiled kitchen and bathroom, decorative fireplace and mantle, laundry, porch, storage, 4 ceiling fans, microwave, motivated seller! Assessments include heat, taxes, water and scavenger. Contact (773) 935-6642 - Jack Lohenry. MLS# 07434487.
MASSAGE THERAPY POWER MASSAGE: Deep, strong, and rejuvenating with lean muscular athlete. In calls and house calls with table. Late hours ok. Convenient location. Relocated practice from NYC. Treat yourself. www.PowerMassageChicago. com - Call Marc (312) 40-1972.
COUNSELING SOLUTION FOCUSED COUNSELING. Individual or couples counseling in safe, confidential environment by licensed psychotherapist. Lakeview location. (773) 528-1777. www.mychicagotherapist.com
CLEANING CHESTNUT CLEANING SERVICE—We clean homes, offices, businesses and buildings; construction/ rehab debris, landlord/ tenants, party cleaning and much more. We respectfully clean for AIDS and other ill patients, severe depression, physically/ mentally challenged, divorce, burglary, the elderly and the deceased. (312) 332-5575. Bonded and Insured. www.chestnutcleaning.com
9
Chad Duda
Residential Brokerage
CLEANING SERVICES—We clean common areas, offices, apartment buildings. Affordable rates. Call Robert, (773) 600-9282. ROCK SOLID REAL ESTATE ADVICE. www.chadduda.com (773) 572-7543
Preferred Properties
VACATION GETAWAY LAKE OSAKIS, Osakis, MN. “MINNESOTA’S BEST FISHING” 2hrs. NW of Mpls on I94.”Trip on a Tankful”. 10 Resorts. Free brochure “Explore Minnesota” 1-800-422-0785, www.EscapeToOsakisMN.com
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