Queen Latifah starring in 'Bessie' May 16
HBO has confirmed the debut date for Bessie, with the HBO Films presentation scheduled to debut Saturday, May 16, at 7 p.m. CT.
Starring Oscar nominee Queen Latifah ( Chicago ) in the title role, Bessie focuses on legendary blues singer Bessie Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues."
The film also stars Michael Kenneth Williams as Bessie's husband, Jack Gee; Khandi Alexander as Bessie's older sister, Viola; Tory Kittles as Bessie's older brother, Clarence; Mike Epps as Richard, a bootlegger and romantic interest; Tika Sumpter as Lucille, a performer and romantic interest; Oliver Platt as photographer/writer Carl Van Vechten; Bryan Greenberg as record producer and music critic John Hammond; with Charles S. Dutton as Ma Rainey's husband, William "Pa" Rainey; and Oscar winner Mo'Nique as blues legend Ma Rainey.
Several sources have stated that Smith was bisexual. It is not known how much the film will delve into that aspect of the late singer's life.
Gay horror-movie screening March 5
Executive producer Steven Deibert and producer/actor/director Brock Riebe have announced that the Chicago-premiere screening of their film Incall will be held at The Landmark's Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St., on Thursday, March 5, at 9:30 p.m.
It had been slated to show Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at The Patio Theater, 6008 W. Irving Park Rd. However, that screening was cancelled.
The plot revolves around massage therapist Kasey and Marco, a drifter.
Admission is $10; visit www.incallmovie.com .
Library exhibit explores marriage
As recognition of same-sex marriage grows, the Chicago Public Library presents "Love Me Forever! Oh! Oh! Oh!," by cartoonist Jeremy Sorese.
In this illustrated exhibit, Sorese, a gay man explores the idea of getting married. Selected from The Best American Comics 2013, "Love Me Forever! Oh! Oh! Oh!" is on display through March 8 in the Congress Corridor, ground level, at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.
Madonna in Chicago Sept. 28 at UC
Live Nation has officially listed the dates of Madonna's "Rebel Heart" world tour.
Opening night is slated for Aug. 29 in Miami. Other cities on the North America segment of the tour include New York, LA, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Vancouver, Montreal and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
She will perform in Chicago Sept. 28 at the United Center.
The Grammy winner's current single, "Living For Love," has topped the Billboard Dance Charts—her 44th time at number one on this list.
Tickets for the tour go on sale March 9; see www.LiveNation.com .
Full calendar listings at www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/chicago/events/upcoming.php
