Thanks to the tireless efforts of all of our photographers, we present to you this Pride weekend wrap-up issue. If you were one of the 750,000 crazy people out and about last weekend (and chances are mighty strong that you were), look for you or your friends (or that one dude you fucked) in these pages.
Actual thanks to the aforementioned photographers, namely Dave Ouano, Anthony Meade, Mel Ferrand, Kat Fitzgerald and Kizzy.
Having worked my camera to the bone the previous weekend, I only made it to the Pride North festival in Rogers Park. Such fun to have this event a mere few stumbles from Casa de Mi. Between the photos in this issue and the great spread I did in last week's Windy City Times, you'd think we were a sponsor of the event. No, just showin' love.
On to the future!
No bars pics in this issue, but we're already working feverishly to collect content for the July 20 issue. If you want in, might we recommend a few events at which our cameras will be in full flash:
Barefoot Ballad at The Hideout, Tues., July 12: Producer Adam Guerino brings together sweet, soulful queer folk in an effort to bring some more mainstream venues into the homo fold. Singer/songwriter/all-around great gal Diva Kai headlines, along with the adorable (and adorably voiced) Manny Capozzi.
Celebration of the life of Michael "Mangina" Gabaldon at Charlie's, Mon., July 11: We at Nightspots are very saddened at the untimely loss of Mangina, who certainly would have preferred a bunch of friends getting together at Charlie's to share a beer and a story to some stuffy ol' funeral service. Honor his wishes and his memory from 7:30-10 p.m. Special performance by Chicago Gay Men's Chorus.
Dining Out for Life at Taverna 750, Tues., July 19: Check out this new space and see a portion of the proceeds go to benefit Edge Alliance in their efforts to support those living with HIV/AIDS.
kirk@windycitymediagroup.com