The Chicago Traveler

Chicago is renowned for its culture and diversity, bringing together people from all backgrounds and labels. The gay and lesbian community plays a significant part in the Windy City’s population, attracting men and women from less resourceful rural areas across the Midwest. Two of Chicago’s most thriving gay neighborhoods are Boystown (inside the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area) and Andersonville (and consequently its surrounding Edgewater neighborhood). A high concentration of bars, shops, and restaurants can be found among the colorful pylons of Boystown. Andersonville has a few bars as well but is better known for its boutiques and “hip” eateries.
While it is by …read more

1 Comment

Hang on to your hats, music fans. Lollapalooza has just announced this year’s line-up, and it’s just as impressive as ever.
Lollapalooza is a music festival featuring hip-hop, punk rock, and alternative rock, along with dance and comedy performances. It has provided an incredible platform for underground artists and non-profit political groups. The 3-day event has been successfully held in Chicago’s Grant Park since 2005. This year it will be held August 1-3, and scheduled performers include:

Radiohead

Kanye West
Love and Rockets
The Black Keys
Mark Ronson
The National
Explosions in the Sky
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Amadou & Mariam
Girl Talk
Jamie Lidell
Spank Rock
Duffy
The Go! Team
Yeasayer
The Weakerthans
Black Kids
Dr. Dog
Kid …read more

Comments Off

• Every First Friday of the month, relax with a cash bar and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy live music from local DJs along with the work of an up-and-coming Chicago artist. This month’s theme: Fallen Stars. (Jan 4)
• There’s not much you can get for $10 on Michigan Avenue. But every first Friday of the month, your $10 will help you Wine Down at Foodlife. Sample 20 international vintages and snacks on the mezzanine level of Water Tower Place. (Jan 4)
• It’s time to get started on that New Year’s resolution for more …read more

Comments Off

As you can imagine, there are hundreds of New Year’s Eve events in Chicago, giving you plenty of ways to celebrate the New Year. Here are just a few of the most recommendable:
• Fat Cat: What could be more Chicago than celebrating Capone-style? Get out the flapper dresses and zoot suits for this Roaring ‘20s party, and you may end up winning the costume contest. Even if you don’t, you’ll love the upscale hors d’oeurves and open top-shelf bar. A DJ spins vintage music as well as modern-day hits. (9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m., $75-$100) (map) (link)
• Hyatt Regency O’Hare: …read more

Comments Off

• 2007 has been one crazy year. Alberto Gonzalez, Blackwater, Michael Vick, Miss Teen South Carolina, and look! It’s OJ again! “Uh-Oh”7: The Year in Revue at Donny’s Skybox Theatre takes a satirical look at the names and events that made this year unique. (Dec 21, 28)
• Friday is National Burger Day! Join the folks at Silver Cloud Bar & Grill, and enjoy their specialty menu which includes the chili burger (chili, sour cream, cheddar, and red onions), southwest burger (blackened burger with avocado, jalapenos, cheddar, and cumin mayo), the burger of champions (fried egg, bacon, and cheddar), and more. …read more

Comments Off

Celebrate the reopening of the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in its new facility at the Grand Opening Gala Benefit, including cocktails, dinner, and entertainment. (Nov 29)
The annual World of Chocolate benefit for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is held in commemoration of World AIDS Day. Guests will sample scrumptious chocolate creations from many of Chicago’s finest restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers. (Nov 29)
Bayside, an alternative rock band from Queens, New York, performs at the House of Blues, while Clay Aiken, the American pop singer of American Idol fame, sings at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. (Nov 29)
Sample some of the …read more

1 Comment

Bon Jovi isn’t coming to Chicago until February, but tickets are already on sale for the concerts at the United Center (February 23 and 24, Daughtry opens).
Photo credit: Rock and Racehorses, matthewspiel

1 Comment

• The Young Women’s Leadership Council will be hosting its 2nd Annual Fall Fundraiser featuring a performance by Spitfire Comedy, a raffle, and a silent auction at the Mad River Bar & Grille. Selective complimentary drinks and food are included. (Nov 15)
• Jimmy Eat World performs live at the Riviera Theatre, while Ralph Stanley (the best banjo picker in bluegrass) shows off his skills at Fitzgerald’s. (Nov 15)
• This is the last weekend to catch “Runaways” in Humboldt Park. Local playwright Elizabeth Swados’ gritty musical drama takes place on Lower Wacker Drive, featuring hip-hop, rock, R&B, reggae, and mambo …read more

1 Comment

 I have to admit, I love this time of year. While I’m not a fan of chilly weather or candy-greedy kids, I can’t get enough of all things creepy and spooky. If you enjoy an adrenaline rush and want to potentially bust some ghosts, grab a tour with Chicago Ghost Investigations. This paranormal research group will teach you how to use authentic ghost-hunting equipment, including cameras, sensors, and thermal scanners. CGI investigators will be there to guide you, but for approximately two hours, you are the ghost hunter. This mind-altering experience is incredibly fun but also very intense, so be …read more

2 Comments

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Friday, October 19, Y-ME Illinois will honor all those that have been affected by breast cancer and their supporters. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., The Big Night Out at Union Station will raise funds that will allow Y-ME to continue their work in the community, supporting and educating women. Guests will be treated to the delicious treats of Ethel’s Chocolate, Geja’s Café, Garrett Popcorn, Argo Tea, Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, Starbucks Liqueur, Aveda Institute Chicago, Touch Salons, and Martini Park. A Mini Cooper will be raffled off at the event, and live music …read more

1 Comment