BackLot Bash June 25-28
The 12th annual BackLot Bash—advertised as "Where the Girls Come Out and Play"—will take place June 25-28. The activities are as follows:
—June 25: Comedy Kickoff: Acts include Bridget McManus and Dana Goldberg. Kelly and Judy Fabjance will host.
—June 26: Sunset Concert: Slated acts include Jess Godwin, Natalia Zukerman, Daphne Willis, and Kristy Lee & Dirt Road Revival. Kat Fitzgerald will host.
—June 27: All-Day Bash: Fortune Feimster will host an event that will feature Sami Grisafe, Catfight and The Girls!, among others.
—June 28: Pride-Day Bash: Ruby Rose ( from Orange Is the New Black ) will perform a DJ set.
The Comedy Kickoff will take place at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave.; all other events will take place at 5238 N. Clark St. Purchase tickets at BackLotBashChicago.com .
View the full calendar of events at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/chicago/events/upcoming.php .
UChicago to honor Joffrey's Wheater
Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director Ashley Wheater will be awarded the University of Chicago (UChicago) Jesse L. Rosenberger Medal at the school's 523rd convocation on Saturday, June 13.
Wheater is the 51st recipient of the Rosenberger Medal, established in 1917 by Mr. and Mrs. Jesse L. Rosenberger. The medal recognizes achievement through research, in authorship, in invention, for discovery, for unusual public service or for anything "deemed of great benefit to humanity."
Wheater joined The Joffrey Ballet as its artistic director in 2007.
The Joffrey Ballet recently announced its 60th-anniversary season of celebration in 2015-16, including three world premieres.
'Brave Face Project'features women in society
As part of its 125th-anniversary season, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University presents the "Brave Face Project," a bold new endeavor aimed to shine light on women's roles in society.
The project—led by Auditorium Theatre Director of Creative Engagement Christina Bourné; Chicago artist and arts education specialist Annie Rezac; and playwright Scott Woldman—will call for everyday women in the community to submit their own stories.
Select stories will be scripted into a piece that will be workshopped and presented June 22-28 in the theater's Katten/Landau Studio (425 S. Wabash Ave., fourth floor).
For more information or to submit personal stories, visit AuditoriumTheatre.org .
Local singer covers Sam Cooke in concerts
Chicago singer Darrian Ford brings the music of "The King of Soul" Chicagoan Sam Cooke to the city's south side in "The Cooke Book—The Music of Sam Cooke" at Hyde Park's Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave West, at 7:30 p.m. on July 12, 19 and 26.
Among Cooke's hits are "Twistin' the Night Away," "Change is Gonna Come" and "You Send Me."
This August, Ford will release The New Standard, his first album of new original music in more than a decade.
Tickets ( $20, $27 and $35 ) are on sale; visit www.promontorychicago.com or call 312-801-2100 .
Read an interview with Ford at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/A-change-is-coming-for-out-performer-Darrian-Ford-/48676.html .
Midsommarfest marks 50 years June 12-14
Andersonville Midsommarfest will mark its 50th year when it takes place June 12-14.
The event will span Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa avenues for three days of music, dancing, kids' entertainment and food. Also, area vendors will be presenting and selling their wares to passersby.
Some of the slated performers/musical events throughout the weekend will include Gus Giordano Dance School, 16 Candles, an ABBA salute, Windy City Cowboys, the Chicago Spirit Brigade, JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, The Joans featuring The Revelettes, Joel Hall Dancers, Mister E. Machine, Chicago Swedish Male Chorus, Honey Hold Johnson, Urban Pooch and Mama Digdowns Brass Band.
There is a suggested $10 donation at the gate ( kids under 12 and seniors are free ) that supports community programming, events and services. See Andersonville.org .
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.
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 through 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.
Melissa Young's 'Out and Proud!' June 17, 20
Vocalist Melissa Young plans to take audiences on a tour of the gay-rights movement through song and comedy in "Out And Proud! A Rainbow Celebration" on June 17 and 20 at 8 p.m. at Davenport's, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Young will match icons to significant moments in LGBT history. For example, she Bette Midler's "Do You Wanna Dance" aligns with a post-Stonewall New York, and Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out" dovetails with the creation the gay-pride flag.
There is a $15 cover with two-drink minimum; reservations are encouraged by calling 773-278-1830 or visiting DavenportsPianoBar.com .
View the full calendar of events at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/chicago/events/upcoming.php .
