Best Gay Chicago

Steve Starchild....Has the X Factor

Best of Gay Chicago — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:32:12 GMT

Over the last month, Chicago's STEVE STARCHILD has been uploading videos on YouTube.
He is 22, a singer and songwriter, and on the road to Rock-Stardom!

This boy can sing! And those abs - wow!

In his newest video, he is hitting the streets of Chi-city for a middle-of-the-night CTA adventure!
Check out his own recording and video for one of Gaga's greatest, MARRY THE NIGHT! It's pretty awesome!

GAGAISM says, "Whenever a Lady Gaga single is released, it’s only a matter of time before fans and musicians take to YouTube to upload their own covers and parodies. Once in a while, one of these videos catapults a new artist to fame, as with Greyson Chance and Maria Aragon.

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."

This guy, is one to watch! It's just a matter of time until he has a record deal!

Steve Starchild YouTube Channel

The People Speak Live with MATT DAMON Jan 31

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:24:44 GMT

Based off of the 2009 documentary, The People Speak, The People Speak, Live! is a benefit performance that features dramatic readings of written works from people of the past.

This month's performance will include readings of a fifteenth century priest documenting Columbus' arrival in the New World, a fugitive slave's scathing letter to a former master, the words of pathbreaking Chicago labor organizers, testimony of civil rights activists and more.

The People Speak, Live! performance has officially added Academy Award Winner Matt Damon to host the event and compliment a cast of local talent. The supporting cast includes Robert Breuler and Alana Arenas of the Steppenwolf Theater, various local poets and Rick Kogan of the Tribune.

The Chicago premiere will be at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., on Jan. 31st.

Tickets are available at $11 to $24. Doors open at 6pm. Performance at 7pm.

Premium tickets available also.

CREW Bar Annual Charity Chilli CookOff Jan 28

Best of Gay Chicago — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:14:27 GMT

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

4804 N Broadway

Chicago, IL 60640

Crew Bar + Grill, located at Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere, award winning gay sports bar. In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its seventh year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks.

I Heart Red party - A Pre Red Dress Party Feb 9th

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:52:41 GMT

Check this out! $20

Hosted Bar for 3 hours, plus small bites,
plus a raffle drawing, plus fun people!

PLUS, you're helping a great cause!

Join Chicago Red Dress Party and our host Clive Christian Studios for I {HEART} Red. This design filled event will take place on Thursday February, 9, 2012 from 6:00p-9:00p at Clive Christian Studios, 222 Merchandise Mart, Suite 143.

Registration includes an open bar, small bites, and a "red" raffle.

Check out Facebook for more details.

$20 in advance $25 at the door.

BestGayChicago.com is a proud sponsor
of the 2012 Red Dress Party! 4-21-12

Get Paid! HIV Vaccine Study Needs YOU!

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:55:25 GMT

We're looking for 18-50 year old, HIV-negative men and transwomen who ♥ men to volunteer in a vaccine study.

More than 30,000 people around the world have volunteered
in an HIV vaccine study. BUT MORE ARE STILL NEEDED.

Every 10 minutes, someone in the United States is infected with HIV. A preventive vaccine against HIV offers the best long-term hope to end this worldwide epidemic. Finding a safe and effective HIV vaccine that will protect people is a huge task. We cannot do it without your help.

Don't worry...you cannot become infected with HIV from the vaccine.

You will be compensated for your time.
Call 312-413-5897 Ref. # 0417

From Illinois to Hollywood - Elliot London

Best of Gay Chicago — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:17:00 GMT

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.)

Pianist Philip Fortenberry Jan 22 in Naperville

Best of Gay Chicago — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:08:48 GMT

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 a sneak peak with this video!

GET TICKETS ONLINE

Taverna 750 Big Gay Brunch Club Party Jan 15th

Best of Gay Chicago — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:58:12 GMT

BGBC takes over
Taverna750 JAN 15th!

750 W. Cornelia, Chicago, IL

Taverna750 is Boystown's newest chic hipster hotspot -- that IS NOT overpriced, as one might expect for a cool spot with awesome food and drinks. Taverna 750 is the best of old school Italian with a contemporary flair.

Jan. 15th - Join BGBC from 11-1
$25 (CASH ONLY)
inclusive of tax and gratuity or pizza or entree -
plus soda, tea and coffee in addition to the unlimited mimosas and adult chocolate milk.

LOTS of food choices to pick from!

RSVP on FACEBOOK

1:00 the party will move over to Scarlett, 3320 North Halsted Street
with some champagne, music, dancing and more!

PLUS, we'll be giving everyone free passes to see
the new Glenn Close Film, ALBERT NOBBS!

PLUS, we'll be giving everyone $10 gift cards
for UBER BLACK CAR SERVICE!

BestGayChicago.com is a proud sponsor of BGBC!

Farrell's Extreme BodyShaping Deal at Chicago's GILT CITY

Best of Gay Chicago — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:48:32 GMT

You read about the brand new Farrells of Chicago last month. And we already joined.

Check this out - they are featured on GILT CITY Chicago this week - at 43% OFF!

Join Derrick & I next week, and transform your body for Spring!!
10 weeks to new body! Let's go!!

GLENN CLOSE in ALBERT NOBBS Get Your FREE PASS

Best of Gay Chicago — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:46:24 GMT

FREE MOVIES PASSES!

SEE THE NEW GLENN CLOSE MOVIE ALBERT NOBBS

Glenn Close plays a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men's clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making.

7:30 pm shgowing Jan. 23rd @ Century Landmark, 2828 N. Clark.

Just right click image, save and PRINT!

BestGayChicago.com

Thinning Hair ...and Rene Furterer Treatment at Ambra Spa in Chicago

Best of Gay Chicago — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:43 GMT

I was getting my hair cut a few weeks ago and my stylist, who has cut my hair for a couple years, mentioned how thin my hair was getting on top. I guess I hadn't noticed. I am 6'3" and don't really see the top of my head in the mirror.

So I called Ambra Salon and Spa - where I had went last year for an amazing facial and the BEST eyebrow shaping in Chicago (by Didi Ayala) I have ever had!

Back to my hair. I knew they had a great salon and wonderful European skin and hair products. So I called and talked with Vicki, a specialist who was trained in Paris under the guidance of the Rene Furterer company. She booked me an appointment to come in.

"It's never too late to start treating your hair," she explained. "In France, they have young children, boys and girls start treating their hair at about 8-9 years old! But as long as you have some hair, you can definitely slow down the loss process and possibly still stimulate new growth."

She analyzed my hair then proceeded to give me a scalp massage and treatment using this amazing Complexe 5, made for thinning hair. The Furterer company use a lot of plant extracts and essential oils. These help stimulate hair growth. It smells and feels amazing! Then I sat under heat for about 10 minutes, and was washed out using Furterer's Forticea Stimulating Shampoo. More essential oils and plant peptides to help restore hair.

Treatments can be done at home. Of course, it's not quite the same. But I purchased both the the Complexe 5 oil and Forticea Shampoo- and have been doing the process about once a week. My hair feels amazing afterwords! I have only been using it about 3 weeks- so it is too early to see results. But I am confident - the Furterer company has been around for 50 years. They are known all over Europe for their hair and scalp products. (*sidenote- when my 75 year old Mother was in town for the holidays, I got her hooked on the products and purchased at set also from Ambra.)

Ambra Salon and European Spa has several great product lines from Europe that are hard to find here in Chicago. It's a cosmetic shoppers paradise! Next on my list to try is Biodroga skin care. From Baden-Baden, Germany, Biodroga has been around since the 1950's. They have everything from repair formulas to fix skin, to anti time formulas to slow down the aging process. They have a complete line for men and everything is made in Baden-Baden, known for their amazing thermal baths.

A trip to Ambra Salon and European Spa downtown is a MUST!
One West Superior, Second Floor 312.337.5055

Equality Illinois' 2012 Gala: Justice for All FEB 11

Best of Gay Chicago — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:03:00 GMT

Come see and be seen!

At one of the most elegant, important and fun LGBT events of the year.

With over 1,000 guests in attendance, including elected officials, candidates, and other VIPs, the Gala is one of the most impactful ways to support full equality for LGBT people.

This is the biggest event of its kind in the Midwest!

The most amazing Silent Auction, I have ever seen!
With over 150 items!

Hilton Chicago
720 South Michigan Avenue

6pm - Midnight

Learn more and purchase your tickets today.
Simply click above or call 773-477-7173.
Tickets start at $300
We look forward to celebrating with you at the Gala!

Equality Illinois (EQIL) was founded in 1991 to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people throughout Illinois. In 2000, the Equality Illinois Education Project, our 501(c)(3) arm, was created to focus on the educational and charitable aspects of the mission. EQIL�s initiatives extend throughout every sector of Illinois life, reaching individuals and organizations both in the LGBT community and the mainstream, across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

LIKE US on Facebook for Special Stuff

Best of Gay Chicago — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:38:00 GMT

Ok - I don't get it. We have 7500 friends on Facebook (Michael Snell and Derrick Sorles)
yet only a couple hundred people LIKE US for BEST GAY CHICAGO.

Did you know, if you LIKE US - we won't bother you. But we will start offering those who LIKE US, special contests and special invitations to parties we host in Chicago! Don't you want to be special??

So what are you waiting for - LIKE US!!

Chicago House Champagne Wrapture Benefit 2012 at Willis Tower

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:08:15 GMT

Champagne Darling, Champagne for Everyone!!

Notorious for its history of innovation! Through the centuries Veuve Clicquot has become known as The Champagne House with cutting edge ideas!

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is both a champagne house in Reims, France, and a brand of premium champagne. Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, Veuve Clicquot played an important role in establishing champagne as a favored drink of haute bourgeoisie and nobility throughout Europe. The 1811 comet vintage of Veuve Clicquot is theorized to have been the first truly "modern" Champagne due to the advancements in the méthode champenoise which Veuve Clicquot pioneered through the technique of remuage.

Each year Chicago House hosts a Veuve Clicquot benefit at a different venue. This year the event reaches the highest high!

On the 99th floor of the Willis Tower, high flying treats and bubbly drinks await you!

Artists from around the city present their various interpretations of Clicquot and a fantastic silent auction keeps everyone bidding throughout the evening as bubbly flows.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Time: 6pm

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

GET TICKETS

Winter Soup To Warm Your Soul - with Private Chef Tong

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:55:00 GMT

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE SOME
HOT SAVORY SOUP ON
THESE COLD CHICAGO WINTER DAYS!

January 21
Soup for a Winter's day
with My Private Chef
at Bloomingdaleʼs
Home & Furniture Store

Chef Christopher Tong of the Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef,
will present delicious soups from around the world.

This free cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, January 21 from 2-4pm Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Demo kitchen on 1.

PHOTO - My Private Chef in the January 2012 issue of Food Network Magazine. An exuberant photo of Chef Chris and Sous Chef Manny from their recent Chicago Botanic Garden appearance will be in the Jan/Feb issue of Food Network Magazine. Look for it on newsstands now.

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.