I lived through the '90s. I was there in the trenches with Color Me Badds and the Hansons and the flannels and the Rachel haircuts. I know what the definition of "is" is. So when I walked into Progress Bar this past Friday and Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn" came on, my first memory of it was that it was a mid-grade, syrupy radio hit that came and went with the advent of the baby doll dress. But if you saw what I saw—the sheer reverence and lovingly-detailed lip-sync of so many of the 20-something patrons—you'd be as confused as I was. I don't want to detract from their experience, but I just found it intriguing how nostalgia can take a so-so song and make it into a cultural moment. That's just how I feel.
For those who remember the sweaty crush of last year's Mr. Chicago Leather contest at Touche, know that this year the contest itself has been moved to the theater at The Leather Archives & Museum, 8 pm, Sat., Jan. 24. So now you can have a seat and see the contest clearly. But directly after that, flock back with the boys to Touche and sweat it out on the dance floor all night.
Happy 7th anniversary to Scarlet. I missed the brunch party with Aubrey O'Day, but I did squeeze ( and I mean that quite literally ) into the crowd on Friday night of the anniversary weekend. Holy crowded! I ran into Robbie and told him that I loved him but for me, dealing with that packed crowd was basically a near-death experience. Not for the faint of heart ... or the old of calendar.
Make sure to get your fill of beans at two—count 'em, two—very important chili events coming up. Crew's 10th annual chili cookoff for Care For Real starts at noon on January 24. A $100 prize awaits the best chili and for the low, low price of $12, your taste buds can be the ones to bestow that prize. Then on February 2, Scot's has their 16th annual "Slap My Ass and Call Me Sally" chili cookoff during the Super Game Bowl football extravaganza ( or something like that ). Judging takes place at half time. See who will win the coveted chili pepper tiara this year. I usually get at least one good large sausage photo at this event and I expect this year to be no exception.
Finally, Cher out at Sidetrack, Wed., Jan. 21, at Cher and Cher Alike, featuring Cher-formances from Coco Sho-Nell, Angel LeBare, Saya Naomi, Kelly Lauren and more. I'll be there with all the other gypsies, tramps and thieves.
kirk@windycitymediagroup.com .
