Pictured: Ron Ziebarth from the Nightspots cover of May 21, 2008. Photo by Chester Munro. Photographing the jocks at Crew, Aaron ( again ) at Scot's.
I would like to wish a very fond farewell to Ron Ziebarth, who passed away this past week.
If you didn't know Ron, you have truly missed out. He was wise, funny, caring, attentive, witty... I could go on and on. His memory certainly will go on and on.
There were many nights over a cocktail or two when Ron and I discussed ambition, passion, inspiration and many other complex facets of the human experience. He was a true gem of a human being and I will miss him terribly.
Services will be held Thursday, October 2 at 1 p.m., Unity Church, 1925 W. Thome Ave. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Equality Illinois ( eqil.org ) or TPAN ( tpan.org ) .
Support local GLBT artists during this Chicago Artists Month by attending 'Queer Eye on a Diverse Nation,' the new exhibit at Center on Halsted, October 3 through November 15. The show is meant to reflect a wide spectrum of issues that matter to our community.
The opening reception will be held Friday, October 3, 6-9 p.m. at Center on Halsted. Artists include Nightspots' very own Alexandra Klimczak, Betty Lark Ross, David Johnson, David Joseph and many more. A $5 donation is requested to support cultural programming at Center on Halsted. For more info, check out centeronhalsted.org .
I missed the first presidential debate at Crew. I can't stand to watch TV in public; people insist on talking and pissing me off. So I watched in the cozy confines of the home office ( nude, of course ) . However, as soon as it was over I threw on my 'outside pants' and hightailed it down to Crew for the glistening fourth anniversary of the Fratboy Fridays Hot Jock contest. Sofia was all decked out in her patriotic finery. And the other dudes were almost naked. Nothing says patriotism like five flags waving in the breeze. If they raise, I'll salute.
I know that I ran that picture of Aaron from Scot's a few weeks ago, but I had a moment that made me want to rerun it. I was on my way home last night and the song 'Bastard Wants To Hit Me' by They Might Be Giants came on. It flashed me back to the time when I walked into Clark's and Aaron stopped the music and played that very song just for me. It's these moments of sweetness that I keep close to my heart. And if a bastard wanted to hit you, Aaron, I'd totally have your back!
kirk@windycitymediagroup.com