CHICAGO -Windy City Gay Idol, now in its 8th year, is halfway through this year's search for the best amateur lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered ( LGBT ) singers in the Chicago area with four more events before the semi-finals on June 5. Two new bars, North End and Berlin, join the competition in this eighth year of Gay Idol.
Windy City Gay Idol 2010 preliminary competitions are one night only at many different bar locations where as many as 20 participants sing at each venue. All contestants compete for the chance to advance to the semi-finals Saturday, June 5 at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. Results from every preliminary, semi-final and final event come from audience votes. Votes from friends, family and audience members hopefully land them on the stage at the Finals Saturday, June 19, at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted.
Premium sponsors this year are Miller Lite and Bacardi. Other co-sponsors include: American Airlines, Ravinia, Autobarn Limited, Creaoke, and Windy City Media Group.
The event is open to all amateur singers age 21 and above, regardless of sexual orientation. There is a $10 signup fee for singers, and a $5 fee for audience members at all preliminary events. There is a $10 cover at the semi-finals and finals at Sidetrack.
The Windy City Gay Idol 2010 schedule:
Thursday, May 13: Sofo bar, 4923 N. Clark, 7 p.m. sign up, 8 p.m. start.
Tuesday, May 18: North End, 3733 N. Halsted, 8 p.m. sign up, 9 p.m. start.
*1st year this bar participates in the competition
Sun., May 23: Berlin, 5355 N. Clark, 9 p.m. sign up, 10 p.m. start.
*1st year this bar participates in the competition
Wed., May 26: WILD CARD, Roscoe's, 3356 N. Halsted, 9 p.m. door opens, 10 p.m. start. Invited guests plus open slots for new singers.
Sat., June 5: SEMIFINALS, Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, 1 p.m. door opens, 3 p.m. start.
Sat., June 19: FINALS, Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, 1 p.m. door, 3 p.m. start.
Complete rules and regulations at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com .