'Chigaygo' at Laugh Factory Orlando benefit on July 7
On Thursday, July 7, Laugh Factory Chicago's queer-comedy showcase Chigaygo is presenting a special one-night only event to raise money for The Center Orlando, the LGBT center providing victim relief in the wake of the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub. Laugh Factory and its owner, Jamie Masada, have a long-standing history of philanthropic engagement in the community.
Chigaygo is now in its third year at Laugh Factory Chicago, and has featured LGBTQ comics and their allies from Chicago and across the country.
Hosted by actor/comedian and professional gay Scott Duff ( Out Chicago, Laugh Factory, About Face Theatre ), the evening features some of the biggest names in the Chicago comedy scene: Gwen LaRoka, Natalie Jose, Martin Morrow, Seth Davis and more.
Doors open at 7 p.m. July 7; the show starts at 8 p.m—and it's first-come-first-serve seating.
Laugh Factory Chicago is at 3175 N. Broadway. All shows are 18 and over. For details and reservations, visit LaughFactory.com or call 773-327-3175.
Salonathon's fifth anniversary July 18
Salonathon—described as "a home for underground, emerging and genre-defying art"—will mark its fifth anniversary Monday, July 18, at Beauty Bar Chicago, 1444 W. Chicago Ave.
Since 2011, Salonathon has hosted thousands of performances and artists, and has nurtured the development of dozens of new projects and collaborations.
Jane Beachy conceived and founded Salonathon, and now co-curates the series with Bindu Poroori, Joe Varisco and Will Von Vogt.
See Salonathon.org .
A'ville Sidewalk Sale July 22-24
Twenty-nine businesses in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood will line Clark Street with bargain goods, fashion, antiques, personal fitness offers and service specials at the annual Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale July 22-24.
Participating merchants will stretch from 5000 to 5800 N. Clark St. Some of the merchants slated to take part include Jameson Loves Danger, Angersonville Galleria, Scout, Orange Shoe Personal Fitness, Akira, Women & Children First, Swedish-American Museum and Milk Handmade.
The annual Summer Sidewalk Sale also coincides with the Women & Children First ( WCF ) Used Book Sale, held on Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, at 5233 N. Clark St.
Visit Andersonville.org .
'Out and Proud!' July 28 at Davenport's
Melissa Young and Nick Sula will aim to take local audiences on a tour of the LGBT-rights movement in "Out and Proud! A Rainbow Celebration" on Thursday, July 28, at Davenport's, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave., at 8 p.m.
The event will be a benefit for The Center Orlando.
Starting with Stonewall and Judy Garland, Young will match icons to significant moments in LGBT history during the event, which will also include songs by Bette Midler, Dolly Parton and Diana Ross, among others.
RSVP at 773-278-1830 or DavenportsPianoBar.com .
Summer skating at Navy Pier
As part of its 100th anniversary, Navy Pier announced that guests can actually ice-skate outdoors all summer long at the Skate by the Lake ice rink in Polk Bros Park, located at the main entry point of Navy Pier.
Skate by the Lake is now open to the public.
Skaters can enjoy Skate by the Lake from noon until 10 p.m. daily, throughout the summer. Tickets to the rink cost $10 for guests with their own skates and $15 for those who need to rent skates.
See navypier.com/pnc-bank-winter-wonderfest/rides-and-attractions/ .
