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

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There’s something about a man in tight jeans and a cowboy hat that makes many ladies swoon. But if you’re a cowpoke looking for the company of other men, put on your big belt buckle and head on over to Charlie’s.
This predominantly gay establishment on the north end of Boystown (right next to Kreative Soul) features country-western music and plenty of room to dance. The bar itself may not be much to look at (and those bathrooms, eek!), but both the patrons and staff are usually friendly with that good ol’ cowboy charm. But the dance floor is where it’s …read more

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Carrie Underwood has dipped her toe in the pop genre in the past, especially while she was on American Idol, but country is where her passion and talent are. So it’s no surprise that her second album, Carnival Ride, focuses on country even more than her first and is even more impressive. Her (recently extended) tour arrives in Hoffman Estates (a one-hour drive northwest of Chicago) at the Sears Centre on October 3. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10:00 a.m. (CDT).
To keep up with everything going on in the country music scene, check out fellow b5media blog, Country Music …read more

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Tickets go on sale this weekend for the following Chicago events via Ticketmaster:

Kenny Rogers
Rialto Square Theatre
Sun, May 18, 6:00 p.m.

Toby Keith
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Fri, Aug 1, 7:30 p.m.

Boy George
House of Blues
Thurs, Aug 7, 7:30 p.m.

Poison
Peoria Civic Center
Tues, Jul 15, 8:00 p.m.

John Mellencamp
Charter One Pavilion
Tues, Jul 22, 7:30 p.m.

O.A.R.
Charter One Pavilion
Thurs, Jul 24, 7:30 p.m.

Gwar
The Pearl Room
Fri, May 23, 7:00 p.m.

Photo credit: Wikipedia (1, 2, 3, 4); (c/o Flickr) ChicagoEye, neillharmer, Georgetown Voice

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Start the New Year with a little color…
• Hydrate: Why celebrate 12 midnight just once? Ring in the New Year for every time zone! The celebration includes an exclusive pre-NYE party, a hosted bar featuring Effen Vodka and Pilsner Urquell Beer, a delicious appetizer buffet, and a complimentary champagne toast. DJ Jeannette spins tracks well into the wee hours of the morning. (8 p.m. – 4 a.m., $30-$50) (map) (link)
• North End: This bar is all about beer, boys, and bowls—college bowls, that is. Stop by for some barstool football with the guys without having to worry about a …read more

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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

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Paris, Milan, New York, London, Tokyo… Chicago? The City of Big Shoulders joins the bigwigs of fashion this weekend during Fashion Focus Chicago, a six-day, citywide celebration featuring works by more than 100 local fashion designers. Exhibitions, neighborhood shopping tours, demonstrations, student designer events, and free industry seminars are all part of this third annual event. From casual to contemporary, Chicago’s setting trends through its diverse boutiques and shops. Come find your inner supermodel.
Funny story… In 1962, New York Mets shortstop Elio Chacón and center fielder Richie Ashburn would often find themselves colliding when they went after a fly ball. …read more

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When I was a little kid, I had my own “secret” space where I felt safe and where I thought no one would find me unless I wanted them to. The Hideout is appropriately named; it’s a spot where you can be among friends and listen to great music, and people not in the know will have a heck of a time finding you.
In fact, the first time I was brought here, I was so turned around, there’s no way I would’ve been able to explain to anyone where I was. A couple of young patrons on cell phones stood …read more

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