THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Happy third anniversary to Berlin's STARDUST Thursdays. When they started this venture in 2008, Scott, Jenae, Rew and the whole gang pledged to bring some edgy shit to Boystown on a weekly basis and after three years, they have never ceased to deliver on that promise. Always keeping it current, they actually keep ME younger, which is no walk in the park. Throw down with the STARDUST kids October 6 as they celebrate with DJs All the Way Kay, Broken Disco 1980, Team Bayside High, John Twatters and Redux, plus lots of fab guest hosts.

A fond farewell to Dominic Babbaro as he exits, stage right from his six-year stint at Hydrate. Haven't we all been touched by him in one way or another ( or ANOTHER ) ? Touch him, baby, one more time on Sat., October 1 with DJ Jerry Griffith and a special hosted bar.

Celebrate the life of legendary bartender Debra Johannsen at T's, October 2, 3-6pm. Honor the "Concrete Blonde" by sharing photos and stories, listen to her favorite music ( courtesy of DJ Greg Haus ) , and help raise funds to get her dog Genie a much-needed and expensive surgery.

Planning something sickening this Halloween? Add a touch of much-needed class to your costume, courtesy of The Baton and their Halloween rummage sale, Mon., October 10, 6-10pm. My costume this year requires a wig and I have been resisting the urge to wig shop so I can save it up for this one-of-a-kind opportunity. Must. Purchase. Wig.

And if you're a queen looking to bolster your wardrobe, this is the sale for you, too.

And since you've whipped it out ( your wallet, perv ) , pop into Touche for the fetish flea market, Sat. and Sun., October 8 and 9, noon-4pm. It's not your mother's flea market. Of course, I've never met your mother, but if this IS her flea market, I look forward to exchanging sugar cookie recipes and ball torture tips with her at the event.

kirk@windycitymediagroup.com