CHICAGO (July 25, 2011) — The 35th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS), which will take place in Chicago beginning August 29, will wrap-up a week of softball and social events with a closing awards ceremony and street fair in Boystown on Saturday, September 3, from 4:00-10:00p.m. The event, which is presented in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), will take place on Waveland Avenue between Halsted and Broadway streets and feature local cover band Final Say and world-renowned DJ Bill Bennett.
"We're proud to partner with CMSA and the Northhalsted Business Alliance to close out a week of softball and social events in Boystown," said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011. "We have received incredible support from the community and are especially grateful to our co-sponsor, CMSA, and Alderman James Cappleman, who understand the significance of this event for our community and our local businesses."
Series 2011 plans to recognize all of the tournament's championship teams during the closing event. Additionally, the Chicago Cubs (a Series 2011 sponsor) will welcome representatives from the winning teams onto Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 4 for a special recognition ceremony prior to their 1:20pm game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That Sunday is also Pride Day at Wrigley, brought to you by the Windy City Times, a Series 2011 media partner.
Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Closing Street Fair for a $5 suggested donation at the gate, which will benefit the Ben Cohen "Stand Up" foundation.
The softball tournament, which begins on Tuesday, August 30, is expected to draw 175 teams from 43 cities in North America in five divisions: A, B, C, D and Master's. Play occurs at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles, with the championships (Schaumburg Complex) on Saturday, September 3.
Series 2011, Inc. is still seeking volunteers, sponsors and donations (financial and in-kind). Visit the tournament website to learn more — http://chicagoseries2011.com/
A special thank you to all of the Series 2011 sponsors and media partners!
Sponsors: Diageo, Coors Light, PepsiCo, Sidetrack, Spin, American Airlines, CMSA, Deloitte, Roscoe's, Segal McCambridge, Broty Advertising Design, Bret Grafton, Athletico, Sports Sciorts, Hunden Strategic Partners, Aetna, AonHewitt, Crew, Center on Halsted, Chicago Cubs, T's, The Glenwood, Sofo Bar, Leona's, Scooterworks, Affinia Hotels, Jackhammer, Jim Hay, PFLAG, Charlie's, Green Team Properties, The Revere Group, DS Tequila Company, Eye See Ravenswood, One Call Now, Horseshoe Casino/The Venue, Pacific Resources, Guaranteed Rate, Sir Spa, Worth, Hamburger Mary's, Urban Kayaks, Coady Roundball Classic, Qpon, Chicago Dragons Rugby Football Team
Media Partners: Chicago Sun-Times, Compete Sports Media, Windy City Media Group, PINK Magazine, Gay Chicago, MTM Chicago, GoPride, Best Gay Chicago, Fusion Radio, Deep Dish
DJ BILL BENNETT
In interviews, Bill has said that when he looks back, he sees that he was both healing himself and enabling others to discover the truth in their goals while helping to bring out their inner-selves. Through the magic of music -- which Bill believes is a gift from a higher power -- he helped his aerobic class participants forget their problems and celebrate the collective spirit of music and movement. That's something Bill can do not only to an aerobic class, but to a dance floor as well. Along the way, Bill learned how to resonate with the power of music and he now uses it on his dance floor and in his aerobic classes to strip away the self-doubt that keeps us from being our fearless selves. It wasn't long before Bill began DJ'ing in the clubs. He landed a Saturday night residency in Detroit at a new club called COBALT and soon found lines wrapped around the building with people driving from surrounding states to dance to his versions of their favorite songs. Within a few years, Bill had a US-wide following and was offered a residency at SPLASH in NYC. He remained at Splash for three years and then did two world tours; IGNITION and MANHUNT. His remix of Madonna's "Frozen" was submitted for possible use on her Reinvention Tour and though she used the regular ballad album version on that tour, we'd still love to see her tear up Bill's version live. After years of touring, anyone could see that an album was in Bill's future. He has taken one year off of DJing to work on his first album DJ BILL BENNETT BIG MUSCLE OF THE RHYTHM -- taking its name inspiration from the popular website bigmuscle.com Bill studied music in Seattle with Roger Fisher -- one of the original guitarists from the 80's rock band Heart and then started to develop a unique sound. He has partnered with producer Pete Masitti, who's worked with Shakira, The Backstreet Boys, Van Halen, and Hootie & the Blowfish, on his upcoming album. The first single BREAKAWAY featuring Inaya Day was snatched up within weeks by SONY/BMG. Bill will follow that with a string of anthems from Suzanne Palmer (I'll Hide You), Abigail (Let The Joy Rise ), Thea Austin (Rhythm Is A Dancer; I'm Addicted) and Pepper Mashay (Dive In The Pool). Supporting the launch of BIG MUSCLE OF THE RHYTHM Bill toured for 2 years, which was his largest-ever. In 2011, Bill started work on his new album "Metamorphosis" but when the media storm hit regarding the high numbers of LGBT teens taking their own lives he called friend Matt Zarley who were both in the middle of recording new albums. They both stepped away from recording to do a fund-raising track for The Trevor Project, a cover of " We Belong". They hope the recording will raise awareness and funds for an organization that is very important to them. Bill is back in the studio working on the new album. Tentative release is summer 2012. We donated our time for this project and ALL PROCEEDS are going directly to The Trevor Project.
FINAL SAY
Experience sizzling chemistry, incredible energy, and songs no one can resist — all brought to you by Chicago's very own Final Say. Here's a secret ingredient to any performance. For some live bands in Chicago, it's quality musicians. For others, it's a memorable performance. And some bands just have that special something, that sparkle that says "I'm having the time of my life tonight — and you should join me." Final Say has all three — and then some. With vibrant, youthful energy and an extensive repertoire of songs that range from the latest Top 40 hits to classics that always bring an audience to their feet, Final Say delivers an impassioned show that makes the audience feel like they're a part of something remarkable. They're right. Final Say burst onto the scene with a 40th birthday party for Eric Ferguson of Eric & Kathy on 101.9 The Mix, and they haven't stopped the whirlwind of incredible sound and performance since. They've shared a stage with The B-52s and The Temptations, delivering professionalism, detailed performance and a rare treat of unparalleled fervor for the Chicago live concert scene. Created by the ever-popular and in—demand Maggie Speaks, Final Say knows exactly how to create a custom experience for every audience. They know how to read a crowd and deliver just what the moment needs to help create the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable event. Check them out at www.finalsay.com .
