Hope you weathered the stormy Market Days weekend without peril. Of course, I ain't talking about the weather.
I have faith that the Northalsted Area Merchants Association will take a long, hard look going into the future at this new VIP section at the Halsted stage. In the wake of such an outpouring of community outrage on the issue, I sincerely hope they reconsider this exclusive, exclusionary policy and remake our beloved Market Days into the free-flowing festival we deserve. I know that they will. Well, I don't know per se, but I don't know if the sun will rise tomorrow, either. Here's hoping on both fronts! I do have hope.
Of course, if you were not embroiled in the controversy, you most likely still had an amazing time this year. Look for your special VIP picture in the very pages of this issue... on the house.
Suffering from a severe case of Dry Whistle? Your prescription for wetness ( or "whetness," depending upon which origin of the phrase you cleave to ) lies in the three new home brews at Hamburger Mary's. The Dandy Shandy is the perfect kicky summertime treat, the Lightweight golden ale is just enough beer flavor to savor and the Gangster is a hopped up amber ale that will whack you over the head with deliciousness. Am I just saying this because the Wright boys plied me with beers? Not just. I couldn't say it if I didn't have first-tongue experience, right?
All shilling aside, they're three great brews homemade in the heart of Andersonville. Everybody's happy!
Thanks to DJ Res-5 for braving the bars this Market Days weekend in my stead. He's about as under 30 as I am over it. It's on weekends like these where that age differential really comes into full relief.
I had one of those "My life is bizarre and fantastic" moments this past Friday when a certain local queer comedian ( rhymes with Madame Neutrino ) IM-ed me to ask what I was up to on that particualr evening. I responded tersely, "Judging a leatherman-to-cowboy makeover contest." 'Twas the annual Cowboy Eye For the Leather Guy contest at Touché to promote the upcoming Windy City Rodeo. Where do I go from here? The world is my fucked-up oyster.
Happy birthday to Jim Flint of The Baton, 3160 and the Continental system. Talk about your pioneers! If you don't know Jim, study up on your local gay history by stopping by 3160 or Baton. He's truly one of the reasons we're all here reading snarky queer magazines. Just to clarify: that's a reason to love him ; )
Did I actually just type an emoticon in this print column? Time to cash in my chips. See you in the next issue, which will be bursting with hot, fresh Windy City Rodeo goodness!
kirk@windycitymediagroup.com