Bisexual NYT columnist at library May 26
The Chicago Public Library and Chicago Urban League are partnering to present a lecture in commemoration of the life and legacy of Mayor Harold Washington. The lecture will be delivered by best-selling author Charles M. Blow, who is also widely known as a New York Times columnist and CNN commentator.
In his presentation, "Mechanisms and Mythologies Conspiring against the Marginalized," Blow speaks about the misconceptions and policies that work against the interests of marginalized people and contribute to maintaining their marginalized status.
The free lecture will take place on Tuesday, May 26, at 6 p.m. in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. The event is open to the public.
In his memoir Fire Put Up in My Bones, released last year, Blow revealed that he's bisexual.
Midler touring, in Chicago June 18
Grammy-winning singer and legendary performer Bette Midler's first major tour in a decade, "Divine Intervention," has launched.
She started her tour with shows in the Florida cities of Hollywood and Tampa, and she's slated to stop by Chicago's United Center on Thursday, June 18.
Accompanied on stage by a 12-piece band as well as backing vocals by the Harlettes, the show features a stage production courtesy of stage designer Michael Cotton. Midler counterbalances the two-hour set of songs with a skewering of social media, in which Midler mocks Facebook and Twitter with commentary and punchlines.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit bettemidler.com and www.livenation.com .
theWit's ROOF Sundays have 'Sail Away' theme
The day-club event known as ROOF Sundays—at theWit hotel, 201 N. State St.—will feature a "Sail Away" theme this year.
The 7,000-square-foot lounge ROOF will be the setting for a party with DJs as well as a specialty menu. with items like tempura lobster roll, a seafood tower, and handmade flatbreads and dips. Also, pastry chef Toni Roberts will present treats such as chocolate bites and matcha mint chip ice-cream sandwiches.
ROOF Sundays will take place May 24-Sept. 6, starting at 2 p.m. There is no cover charge, and is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit RoofOnTheWit.com and #ROOFSundays.
'Queer Queens of Qomedy'in Lake View May 31
National headliner Poppy Champlin is bringing her "Queer Queens of Qomedy" show back to Chicago.
She and lesbian Karen Williams will share the bill with the eChicago comedian Gwen LaRoka on Sunday, May 31, at 5 p.m. at The Chicago Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway.
Tickets are $25-$40; visit www.laughfactory.com/clubs/chicago/date/2015-05-31. For more info, see "The Queer Queens of Qomedy" on Facebook.
Skrebneski has book-signing
Iconic photographer Victor Skrebneski exhibited his work recently at LUXBAR, and held a book-signing of his work Skrebneski Seduced.
The evening also included complimentary signature LUXBAR cocktails, wine and passed hors d'oeuvres. Skrebneski donated proceeds from the event to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, an organization that provides a continuum of care and a network of services for people with developmental disabilities.
Taste of Chicago reveals performers
The Taste of Chicago has revealed its headlining music acts for the food festival that will take place July 8-12.
The five headlining acts are, in order: Weezer, Erykah Badu, The Chieftains, Spoon and Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.
The 35th annual Taste of Chicago will take place in Grant Park, and festival-goers can watch the headlining musical performances at the Petrillo Music Shell. Visit TasteOfChicago.us.
Full calendar listings at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/chicago/events/upcoming.php .
