Steve [Starchild] might just be the next person to hit it big after releasing a Gaga cover. His take on “Marry The Night” is unique and far less “out-there” than Lady Gaga’s, yet it feels true to the song. Furthermore, Starchild strongly exhibits a star power and charisma that is sure to woo the ladies (and gentlemen) who watch his video."

NBC 5’S WAYNE JOHNSON RETURNS AS HOST OF CREW’S 2012 CHARITY CHILI COOK OFF

Wayne Johnson, food and lifestyle reporter for NBC Chicago, will return as host of Crew Bar + Grill’s Annual Charity Chili Contest on Saturday, January 28^th, from 12PM to 2PM.

The annual chili contest lets patrons sample eight different chili recipes for a $10.00 donation to the Edgewater based non-profit, Care for Real. Organized by the Edgewater Community Council, Care for Real is a volunteer operated food pantry and social services group supported by donations from the community. Prizes will be awarded for the best chili recipe, $100 in cash, and the category for best presentation of your chili, the “Nate Berkus award”, which nets a $50 Crew gift card.

Crew Bar + Grill

Filmmaker Elliot London

is one to watch in Hollywood.

The charismatic director/producer calls himself a dreamer, and now he’s offering you the opportunity to share his dream of making a movie that’s very close to his heart.

The 30-year-old London, born in Australia, but raised in America, says growing up gay was not always easy, especially in Rockford, Illinois.

With that in mind, his latest short film, The Wedding Dance, tells the story of marriage equality -- but he promises, with a twist.

London plans to start shooting in Los Angeles in a few weeks, but like so many small independent filmmakers, he needs additional funding to complete the project, so he’s taken the unusual and highly creative step of using social media to entice investors who can actually receive a credit on the film.

RadarOnline.com chatted with London about his journey from America’s Heartland to Hollywood -- and what it was like to intern for Jerry Springer along the way!

Like most small independent films these days, the filmmaker must raise their own  funds. London is currently trying to raise $5,000 - and he already has  $4,400!  He just needs  $600  within the next 16 days, to get things rolling!   Stop by his page  and find out more, how you can help!

(Did you see his  short  called   306?  Set in Chicago, IL, this 11 minute short film shows a day in the life of a young man. Without a single word spoken, '306' is full of emotion and shows us exactly how Eric (played by Brian Estel, from Wisconsin) feels at all times. Beautifully shot and great acting.)

A true Southern gentleman, pianist Philip Fortenberry will tickle the ivories whilst telling a story or two when he comes to Naperville.

Fortenberry will perform a cabaret-style show called “Give My Regards” Jan. 22 at North Central College. The show begins at 6 p.m. in the College’s Madden Theatre.

During the show, he will perform popular songs spanning all genres and styles, interspersing them with his own recollections of the many composers, directors and performers who continue to inspire him.

He has accompanied such legendary Broadway icons as Eartha Kitt, Betty Buckley, Donna McKechnie and Laurie Beechman in concerts in New York and across the nation, and currently serves as the associate conductor of “Jersey Boys” at the Palazzo Theater in Las Vegas.

“’Give My Regards’ is a show I’ve put together. I’ve had a career of playing for great shows; great music of all sorts of genres from rock music to Broadway, and I’ve worked with a lot of amazing artists — singers, choreographers, conductors and composers,” he said. “This show essentially pays homage to that music from my perspective. I tell stories about the music that I play from my perspective as a pianist. I offer a setting, you might say.”

His show is almost entirely him and the piano.

“I will usually do this number that Katharine Hepburn actually recorded, and who knew she could sing? I figured if she could do it, so could I,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the only reason I would ever sing. I talk, I tell the stories, and I play the songs, essentially.”

Some songs you will hear include medleys from “Mamma Mia” and “Saturday Night Fever;” plus songs from musicals like “Cats” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” You’ll even hear some ragtime and Liberace’s “Chopsticks.”

“It’s a variety of things,” he said. “It’s such a broad concept. It covers people and experiences in my life.”

Fortenberry has gone from being a four-year-old child plunking around on a toy piano in Southern Mississippi to playing at the Palazzo Theater in Las Vegas.  It has been a remarkable journey, he said, and it’s that journey he shares with the audience.

“’Give My Regards’ — there are a lot of people who came across my path and a lot of experiences I’ve had that are going to bring me to Naperville, Illinois,” he said. “Never in my life did I dream that is where I would find myself. It will be an honor to be there.”

GET TICKETS  ONLINE

What could be more elegant... and memorable... than serving a one of-a-kind meal created by a world-class chef?

My Private Chef takes private dining  to a professional level of excellence.

A personal letter, from Bernard Cherkasov, Equality Illinois..

As you know, this year has indeed been a year of tremendous successes for LGBT people in the state, including Illinois becoming just the sixth state to legalize civil unions. Because of your generous support of LGBT equality work and the efforts of supporters like you, we have taken a significant step toward full equality for every family in Illinois! 

There is so much more to do to achieve full equality for LGBT Illinoisans. We have an incredible about of work to do in 2012. If you have not yet done so, please make an additional tax-deductible, end-of-year contribution to help Equality Illinois move forward with our statewide educational work next year. 

My thoughts keep returning to the individuals and families for whom we fight every day. I think of the impact that our LGBT-rights progress has on them and our larger community. I am thankful for the greater protections and safeguards that are available in Illinois. Yet, there is still so much work to be done.  

That is why I ask you to stand with us as we move forward in our battle for equal protections under the law. Will you, please, make an additional tax-deductible, end-of-year contribution to help us advance our aggressive statewide LGBT-rights agenda?

LGBT Illinoisans are counting on your support, and we cannot succeed in achieving full equality without you. 

Thank you again for your support. Let's keep moving forward!

Sincerely, 

Bernard Cherkasov
Chief Executive Officer


P.S. Remember that your generous end-of-the-year donation to Equality Illinois Education Project, a 501(c)(3) organization, is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 

“You don’t want the gay liberation movement to morph into something like the Ku Klux Klan, demonstrating in the streets against Catholicism,” Cardinal George said.

“That’s a little strong analogy, Ku Klux Klan,” Fox Chicago’s Dane Placko noted.

“It is,” Cardinal George agreed. “But you take a look at the rhetoric, the rhetoric of the Ku Klux Klan, the rhetoric of some of the gay liberation people. Who is the enemy? The Catholic Church.”

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D) on Wednesday called on Cardinal George to apologize.

The CCWC coordinators, already imagining  a New Years/Epiphany ad in the Windy City Times, are exploring options for a paid ad which will in some way be a counter message to George.  Watch for it in this week's WCT.   And, watch Facebook and listserv traffic for further updates including a press release which you might consider tailoring and using yourselves.

You may  call the Cardinal's office (312-534-8230) and demand an apology for this offensive and hurtful statement.

Date: Thursday, January 26, 2012

Time: 6pm

Where: The SkyDeck, Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL

The  top winter event has finally reached the highest high! On the 99th floor of the Willis Tower, high flying treats and bubbly drinks await you!  

Soar to new heights and join Veuve Clicquot and Co-Chairs David Kaufman, Tom Segal, Matthew Harvat, Dennis Remer, Scott Silverman, and Christopher Hubbard for Champagne Wrapture 2012: Clicquot in the Sky.

New this year, when you purchase the VIP Ticket for Champagne Wrapture receive a VIP Gift Pack that includes surprises from Garrett Popcorn, Terry's Toffees and Sweet Miss Giving's Bakery. Plus, you will receive a commemorative SkyDeck photo taken on The Ledge!

 Tickets  $99  and  $130.  Get yours now - this party is always a hit!

BestGayChicago.com

Arbonne is a highly regarded, premium brand with a Swiss heritage. The products are healthy, botanically based and inspired by nature. The Arbonne experience starts with changing the appearance of your skin, then it’s about changing your life.  - And with harsh, dry, cold Chicago winters, we can all use a little Arbonne!

"We know that when it comes to buying skin care, cosmetics and nutrition products, the recommendations and advice from people you trust are important."

pure, safe, beneficial™

I was on a search for better anti-aging products, than the ones I was using. And I found Arbonne. They have a line called  RE9  for Men. 4 easy to use products with ingredients to soften and minimize signs of aging and helping with fine lines!

I also love the beach and sun in the summer - and I found that they offer  before and after sun products. And again, these are made with natural ingredients, which is important to me.

Arbonne products are dermatologist-tested and botanically based. Arbonne offers premium-quality beauty, health and wellness products with targeted results. "We employ consumer and clinical testing to reinforce our research and ensure our proprietary formulas deliver unparalleled performance." -  and in most cities, there are local reps to help you make your purchases and offer advice.

Troy Karnoff is my local Chicago specialist.