What a tremendous community response the weekend it was first known that there was a meningitis outbreak in Chicago's gay community. The bar owners, non-profits, party-throwers and others came together to work with the city's health department to educate everyone about how the disease is spread, and where to get vaccinated. Kudos to all involved.
Thanks soooo much to designer Brad Cawley for his truly amazing work redesigning Nightspots for its four-color, glossy-eyed future. Additional thanks to Kirk Williamson, Sukie de la Croix, Graysong and all the Nightspots crew for their hard work. Our biggest shout out goes to all of the advertisers who are in this inaugural issue—and to those who have been with us all 13 years.
Mr. Jeffery Pub Contest, with reigning king Bruce Dupree, is Oct. 30, 10:30 p.m., 7041 S. Jeffery, (773) 363-8555.
Windy City Suburban Gay Idol is at Hunters in Elk Grove Village Tuesday, Nov. 4, 1932 E. Higgins. Thursday, Nov. 6 we're at Inn Exile in Chicago, 5758 W. 65th St. Call (773) 871-76109 for details. The finals are Sat., Nov. 22 at Temptations. Thanks to the gals at The Patch for helping us throw a great preliminary.
Neo's Planet Earth new wave night is Thursdays, with DJ Dave Roberts and $250 for the best new wave costume, 2350 N. Clark.
Homolatte: Queer Words and Music is hosted by Scott Free and this week features Phoenix and Meisha Herron, Oct. 30, No Exit Cafe, 8 p.m., 6970 N. Glenwood, (773) 743-3355, www.scottfree.net .
Roscoe's Wet boxer contest is Oct. 30, with $600 in prizes; Chrissy Antheneum hosts. Midnight, 3354-6 N. Halsted, (773) 281-3355.
SPIN Zombie-A-Go-Go, hosted by Paté, is Oct. 30, 800 W. Belmont.
Bobby Love's Great Pumpkin Party is Friday, Oct. 31, hosted by Cherise Pretty with a costume contest and pumpkin carving, 3729 N. Halsted, (773) 525-1200.
Karaoke & Kostumes, a Halloween evening with drinks, karaoke and a costume contest with cash prizes, is Oct. 31 at Buddies'. Proceeds benefit Chicago Games, Inc. 9 p.m.-midnight, 3301 N. Clark, (773) 561-2704.
Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays' 10-year anniversary meeting and gala Halloween costume ball is Oct. 31, (312) 409-4917.
Other clubs with Oct. 31 Halloween contests and treats (some with tricks): Hideaway, Star Gaze, Encompass Nightclub, The Edge, Jackhammer, Temptations, Spin, and so many more! See calendar for details.
The 7th annual North Halsted Halloween Parade is Friday, Oct. 31, and it steps off from the corner of Belmont and Halsted. Costume contest registration begins at Spin at 7 p.m.; the parade begins at 8, (773) 868-3010.
Howard Brown Health Center's Vegas Vanities: Dice ... Divas ... Dinner & Dancing, the agency's black-tie benefit dinner, is Nov. 1, (773) 524-3155.
Chicago Transit Authority sponsors an open meeting for public comment as it considers a fare increase, Thursday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m., Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe, 6th floor, www.transitchicago.com .
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