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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In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that it has been a long, long time since I’ve been to Hydrate on a weekend evening. That’s because the lines are long, the drinks are small and expensive, and the dance club is wall-to-wall crowded. But in spite of all that, this place can still be fun. You just have to know when to go.
Chic 20-somethings hypnotized by the deep bass emerging from Hydrate (just north of Beatnix) enter via the “blue room,” where a bar island sits in the middle of an aquamarine-colored room. There are only about …read more

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Even if you’ve never heard of the name Jamie Lidell, you’ve probably heard his music. His song “Multiply” was used on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, and his song “A Little Bit More” was featured in a series of Target commercials. His retro, experimental styles are back in his new album Jim, but his sounds are even funkier and more polished. He’ll be at the Metro on Wednesday, October 8. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 12 noon CDT.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Mick 0

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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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Chicago has plenty to offer when it comes to nightlife, but if you ever find yourself in a club rut, it’s time to throw your evening into a Spin.
While located at the south end of Boystown, Chicago’s GLBT nightlife neighborhood, the club caters to a diverse clientele. No matter what your label or orientation, Spin provides plenty to look forward to. Just around the corner from Orange, there are weekly promotions, the most popular of which may be the midnight shower contest on Friday nights. Men and women get wet and wild every week, bearing nothing but a tiny towel …read more

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I am a child of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, so I have been a fan of Madonna’s music nearly all my life. The Queen of Pop will be performing at Chicago’s United Center on October 26-27. The show on Sunday (26th) is already sold out. If you missed your chance, set your alarm clocks now: tickets for the Oct 27 performance will go on sale to the general public tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. CDT.
Photo credit: Wikipedia

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Last weekend, my BFFs invited me out for a night of drinking and dancing. I was all for it. And then they told me, “It’s industrial/Goth.” Of course, all kinds of stereotypical images started coming to mind, and I began to wonder what I was going to wear for our trip to Neo.
Beneath a sign that looks like it has been hanging there since the club’s opening in 1979, Neo’s alley entrance immediately sets the mood. Arriving about 11 p.m., we each paid our $5 cover and stepped inside. If I could sum up my first impressions in one word, …read more

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Looptopia, the annual dusk-till-dawn artistic and cultural celebration, lights up the downtown area again this Friday, May 2. This all-night festivity features 300 artists in 100 venues for 14 hours. More than 100,000 people attended last year. Locals, tourists, students, families, artists, musicians—Looptopia invites and entertains them all.
Just to give you an idea, here’s what you can expect to find:

Over 50 groups and soloists offering everything from jazz to electronica to pop to classical.
20 performers show off their moves in ballet, bellydancing, tap, salsa, fire dancing, and more.
Acrobats, circus performers, shadow puppets, experimental artists, and a preview of the 2016 …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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It’s time to say good-bye to 2007. The year has treated me very well. I moved to a new apartment, did some traveling, and, best of all, began writing The Chicago Traveler! Many thanks to Mary Jo and everyone at b5media who has been so welcoming and helpful.
Even though The Chicago Traveler is only a few months old, let’s take a look back at the ten most popular articles of this year.
10. Abegweit. Resting peacefully on Lake Michigan, this beautiful ship was once the most powerful icebreaker in the world.
9. Let’s Boogie Records & Tapes. This music store on the …read more

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