The Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association will hold its fifth annual fundraising banquet Friday, June 15.
The OPAL Gala helps fund the organization's programs, including its youth groups and the Latino men's group.
Cocktails will begin at 7 p.m. at Mar Lac Banquets, 104 S. Marion in Oak Park, and dinner will be served at 8 p.m. Pulsation will perform dance music until 12:30 a.m.
For more information, visit www.opalga.org or call ( 708 ) 848-0273.
BRIEFLY
The Association for Latin Men for Action is accepting nominations for its 2001 Leadership Awards, to be presented at the Noche de Gala Aug. 19. Call ( 773 ) 929-7688. The deadline for entries is June 15.
Congrats to Jorjet Harper for winning the Best in Show for her digital art in the Wis-con science fiction confab. Her work, including the winning pieces, is on display at the High Risk Gallery. Another Windy City Times writer, Yvonne Zipter, was selected as the recipient of an Illinois Arts Council Literary Award for her poem "Grace Lesson," which was published in the spring 2000 issue of Spoon River Poetry Review. Awards are given each year for the publication of quality new writing by Illinois writers in Illinois not-for-profit literary magazines and come with a $1,000 cash prize. "Grace Lesson" was one of 15 poems selected from the 103 pieces submitted.
High Risk Gallery presents C.C. Carter's East meets Midwest, a poetry slam, Friday, June 8. East Coasters battle with Chicagoans Cin Salach and Juarez Hawkins. Marie Kuda presents a slideshow on GL art Thursday, June 7. Saturday, June 9, Karen Hawkins hosts an open mic night of angry women's art to benefit her AIDS Ride this July. And on Sat., June 16, don't miss FUEL UNPLUGGED, for those age 25 and under, at the gallery. There are special over-25 performers including Sukie, Sanford Gaylord, Rhonda Bedgood and Scott Free, plus an open mic for youth. All at 1115 W. Belmont, ( 773 ) 871-7610.
It's Time, Illinois! hosts its 4th Celebration of Transgender Pride Sat., June 9, at Ann Sather's, 929 W. Belmont, with music by Valerie James. Call ( 312 ) 409-5489; ItsTimeIL@aol.com .
Tret Fure, now a Wisconsinite, is returning to Chicago for a solo show June 9, ( 773 ) 248-3953.
The gay film Nico and Dani plays at the Music Box starting June 15.
Women in the Director's Chair's 7th Annual Pride Event ( a.k.a Dyke Night ) , an evening celebrating the vision and talent of queer women performers and filmmakers, is Friday, June 8. There is a performance and screening featuring award-winning poet Duriel Harris followed by reception, DJ and dancing. At Preston Bradley Center, 941 Lawrence, ( 773 ) 907-0610.
